The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted bail to Rampal, the controversial head of Satlok Ashram, who is currently serving a life sentence for his involvement in the 2014 riots at Karantha Ashram in Barwala, Hisar. Rampal, aged 74, has been held in Central Jail in Hisar, located around 200 km from Chandigarh. The High Court’s decision will now proceed through legal formalities before Rampal can be released.
Central Jail Superintendent Umesh Kumar confirmed that once the bail order is processed by the respective court and the necessary paperwork is completed, Rampal will be set free. Rampal’s arrest stemmed from a contempt of court case related to a 2006 murder and a sedition case linked to the 2014 violent incidents. The Division Bench of Justices G.S. Gill and Ramesh Kumari approved Rampal’s bail plea under specific conditions, considering the progress of the trial and the extensive witness statements recorded.
During the court proceedings, it was highlighted that over 450 witnesses had given statements in the case, indicating substantial progress in the trial. Consequently, the Division Bench decided to grant Rampal regular bail, albeit with certain terms. Last year, the High Court had suspended Rampal’s life sentence, which was imposed seven years earlier for his involvement in the death of five disciples. Rampal and his sect members faced legal action in 2014 after defying court orders, leading to a significant operation by security forces resulting in Rampal’s arrest on November 19, 2014.
