Punjab and Haryana High Court Grants Bail to Rampal in 2014 Violence Case
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted bail to controversial preacher Rampal of Satlok Ashram in Barwala, Hisar, in connection with the 2014 violence cases. In a significant order released on Thursday, the court explicitly advised Rampal "not to promote any kind of mob mentality" and to avoid participating in congregations that could potentially cause a breach of peace, law, and order.
Court's Strict Conditions and Warning
The detailed order from the High Court emphasized strict conditions for the bail. "The appellant/accused is directed 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 of peace, law and order," the court stated. It further clarified that if Rampal violates these conditions or is found inciting others to commit offenses, the state government would be free to take steps for cancellation of his bail.
Background of the Case and Bail Decision
A division bench comprising Justice Gurvinder Singh Gill and Justice Ramesh Kumari passed these orders while allowing a plea filed by Rampal seeking bail in one of the Ashram violence cases from 2014. In this specific case, registered as FIR No. 428, Rampal was booked under various serious charges, including:
- Violations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
- Waging war against the state
- Attempt to murder
- Explosive act
- Other related charges of a serious nature
The court noted that Rampal has been in custody since his arrest on December 8, 2014, undergoing total incarceration for more than 11 years. With Rampal now about 75 years of age, and considering that the remaining co-accused have already been released on regular bail, the court found grounds for granting bail.
Reasons Cited for Granting Bail
The order highlighted several factors that influenced the bail decision:
- Long Incarceration: Rampal has spent over 11 years in custody, which the court deemed substantial.
- Age Factor: At approximately 75 years old, his age was considered in the decision.
- Delayed Trial Progress: Out of a total of 425 cited prosecution witnesses, only 58 have been examined so far. The prosecution still needs to examine the remaining witnesses, meaning the trial is unlikely to conclude in the near future.
"Considering the long incarceration of the appellant/accused, which is more than 11 years, and his age being about 75 years, and that the majority of the witnesses are yet to be examined, on account of which the trial is not likely to be concluded in the near future, it is a fit case to release the appellant/accused on regular bail," the order stated.
State Government's Opposition and Historical Context
During the hearing, the state government opposed the bail plea, arguing that the allegations against Rampal were serious in nature. The government contended that in order to avoid his arrest, Rampal gathered his followers, who pelted stones and fired at the police, making him ineligible for the concession of regular bail.
Rampal was originally booked in November 2014 for sedition and several other serious charges after he stubbornly challenged the directions of the High Court. The court had asked him to appear in person in relation to a contempt of court matter, leading to the violent clashes and subsequent legal proceedings.
This bail grant marks a pivotal development in a case that has drawn significant public and legal attention over the past decade, with the court balancing considerations of justice, trial delays, and public safety in its ruling.
