Satlok Ashram Chief Rampal Gets Relief from Punjab-Haryana High Court. The life imprisonment sentence handed down in the 2014 Barwala case, involving the death of followers, has been suspended. Further legal proceedings will continue.
Saint Rampal: Satlok Ashram chief and self-proclaimed saint Rampal has received significant relief from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The court has suspended the life imprisonment sentence awarded in a case related to the death of his followers seven years ago. Following this High Court order, Rampal and his followers have described it as an important step towards justice.
What is the case?
In 2018, a lower court in Hisar had convicted Satlok Ashram chief Rampal and his close associates on serious charges including murder, illegal confinement, and criminal conspiracy. This case is linked to an incident on November 19, 2014, when a violent clash occurred between the police and followers at the ashram in Barwala, Hisar district. Four women and a child died in this clash.
Sequence of Events in the Barwala Clash
There had been a long-standing dispute concerning the Satlok Ashram located in the city of Barwala, Hisar district. In 2014, when the police attempted to vacate the ashram, thousands of followers resisted. The situation escalated, and a conflict erupted between the police and supporters. Five people died and several were injured in this conflict. This incident became a topic of national discussion, and Rampal was arrested.
Court's Verdict and Sentence
Following an investigation into the incident, in October 2018, a Hisar court convicted Rampal and some of his followers and sentenced them to life imprisonment. The court held Rampal and his associates responsible for the deaths and illegal confinement of followers. At that time, it was considered a major decision related to law and order.
Petition Filed in High Court
A petition was filed by Rampal in the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging the sentence awarded by the Hisar court. The petition stated that the lower court did not consider all facts and circumstances and committed judicial errors.
High Court's Order
A division bench comprising Justice Gurvinder Singh Gill and Justice Deepinder Singh Nalwa heard the petition. After a lengthy hearing, the court ordered the suspension of the life imprisonment sentence awarded in 2018. However, this does not mean that Rampal has been completely acquitted. It is merely a stay on his sentence, while the hearing of the case will continue further.
Reaction from Rampal's Supporters
Following this High Court decision, there is an atmosphere of joy among Rampal's supporters. They claim that Rampal is innocent and was framed. The followers stated that this verdict is a victory for justice and that the truth will emerge in court going forward.
