Punjab & Haryana High Court Resumes Hearing in Journalist Murder Case After New Facts Surface
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken a significant step by resuming the hearing in the high-profile Ram Chander Chhatrapati murder case, more than four months after initially reserving its verdict. This development comes as the court cited the "emergence of new facts" that require further clarification for a proper adjudication of the matter.
Court's Order and Bench Observations
In an order released on January 30, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Vikram Aggarwal noted that while the appeals were finally heard on September 25, 2025, new facts emerged during the judgment dictation process. The bench emphasized that these facts necessitate additional clarification to ensure a fair and thorough resolution of the case, leading to the re-hearing being initiated.
Background of the Case and Initial Conviction
The case dates back to the 2002 murder of Sirsa-based journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, who was the editor of the 'Poora Sach' newspaper. On January 17, 2019, a special CBI court in Panchkula delivered a verdict sentencing Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim and three others to life imprisonment. Additionally, a fine of Rs 50,000 was imposed on the convicts for their involvement in the murder.
Appeal and Defense Arguments
Gurmeet Ram Rahim challenged his conviction in the High Court, asserting that he was falsely implicated by the CBI. His defense highlighted that the first chargesheet filed against other accused individuals—Nirmal, Kuldeep, and Krishan Lal—did not include his name, and none of them alleged his involvement in the conspiracy at that time.
The counsel for Gurmeet Ram Rahim contended that his name was added to the chargesheet "by way of revenge" and argued that the investigating agency failed to prove he ever read the 'Poora Sach' newspaper. According to the prosecution's narrative, the newspaper was an evening publication that primarily reported news already covered by morning newspapers, thus questioning the motive for any grudge against the deceased journalist.
Implications and Next Steps
This re-hearing marks a critical juncture in a case that has drawn widespread attention due to its connections to a prominent religious leader and issues of press freedom. The court's decision to revisit the matter underscores the importance of ensuring all facts are thoroughly examined before delivering a final judgment, potentially impacting the legal outcomes for all parties involved.
