High Court in Punjab and Haryana temporarily halts imprisonment of spiritual leader Rampal in homicide cases
Punjab and Haryana High Court Suspends Life Sentences of Self-Styled Godman Sant Rampal
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has suspended the life sentences of self-styled godman Sant Rampal in two murder cases, a decision that comes after a decade-long legal battle. Rampal, who has been in jail since 2014, was represented by senior advocates R. S. Salian and R. K. Dwivedi before the High Court.
The cases relate to the deaths of five individuals (four women and a child) during clashes between Rampal's followers and police in 2014. The State argued that Rampal confined women and others in a room, leading to conditions of suffocation and their deaths. However, Rampal's counsel argued that the deaths occurred due to police lobbing tear gas shells at his 'dera', causing suffocation and a stampede.
The Court found that there are debatable issues regarding the cause of death being homicidal or not. The Court took into consideration the advancing age of Rampal (aged about 74 years) and the substantial period of sentence he has served (10 years, 8 months & 21 days). The Court also found it a fit case for suspending the sentence due to the lack of support from the husband and mother-in-law of the deceased in the prosecution's case.
The High Court suspended Rampal's sentence in a similar case on August 28. Rampal has challenged the conviction before the High Court, alleging that he was falsely implicated in the case.
The suspension of the sentences was ordered by a bench of Justices Gurvinder Singh Gill and Deepinder Singh Nalwa. The Court also ordered Rampal not to promote any kind of "mob mentality" and to avoid participating in congregations where there is any kind of tendency amongst "disciples" or participants to cause breach in peace, law and order.
In case of violation of the conditions of bail or if Rampal is found to be indulging in activities having trappings of inciting others to commit any offence, it is open to the State to take steps for cancellation of bail. The order also grants relief to 274 followers of Rampal in a contempt case against them.
The order granting relief to Rampal directs him not to participate in congregations. Senior Advocate Vinod Ghai, Advocates Arjun Sheoran, Arnav Ghai, Rohan Gupta, Pranhita Singh, Tejasvi Seokand, Kashish Sahni, and Chand Rathi appeared for Rampal. Additional Advocate General Deepak Bhardwaj and Advocate Sheenu Sura represented the State of Haryana.
The lengthy legal battle for Rampal comes to a significant turning point with the High Court's decision to suspend his life sentences. The suspension of the sentences, however, does not mean an acquittal, and Rampal continues to face charges in other cases. The High Court will continue to hear Rampal's appeal challenging his conviction in these cases.
