Dera verdict: HC orders security forces to use ‘mighty force’ if required

CHANDIGARH: Ahead of the Panchkula special CBI court’s verdict in rape case against Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh scheduled to be pronounced at around 2.30 pm today, the Punjab and Haryana high court has ordered that security forces should not hesitate from using “mighty force” to maintain law and order in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.
“Security forces should not shy from using weapons.No mischief monger has the right to disrupt peace, police force must be communicated,” said the full bench comprising Acting Chief Justice SS Saron, justices Surya Kant and Avneesh Jhingan. Speaking for the bench, justice Kant made it clear, “we do not want police to be beaten up by them (Dera followers) as has been observed in the past in other cases.”
At the same time, the high court ordered if any politician, minister or social organization indulges in provocative statements, the concerned authorities should immediately register FIR against them and criminal action must be started.
Justice Saron observed that given the circumstances, there could be attempts of self immolation and such acts cannot be done without any instigation. Hence the court made it clear, “Instigation is an offence and we would warn each and everyone that if anyone would indulge in such activities, there would be serious consequences.”
The court also ordered the Haryana advocate general BR Mahajan, “talk to the highest level and do not let them (Dera followers) to gather there (in Panchkula).”
Mahajan told the court that security forces have cleared Panchkula sectors from 1 to 21, except sector 5 and 23 where Dera followers have gathered. The court also pointed out that from the media reports, it has come to know that Dera followers have been occupying even school and other government premises in Panchkula.
Additional solicitor general of India Satya Pal Jain informed the court that 40 more para-military companies have been provided to Haryana by withdrawing some of the companies from Jammu and Kashmir, and Gujarat. On this, Mahajan responded that out of 40, 35 companies have reached Haryana.
Appearing for the Chandigarh administration, senior standing counsel RS Rai apprised the court that all 38 entry and exit points of Chandigarh have been sanitized. The court also told the police that videography should be made at all points and in case of any untoward incident, video recordings should be placed before the court.
Mahajan also clarified to the court that Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was coming from Sirsa to Chandigarh with a fleet of his five vehicles accompanies by five police vehicles. He said that there were wrong reports in the media that around 150 vehicles were there in his cavalcade.
After hearing the case for around 20 minutes till 12 noon, the high court today adjourned the case for next hearing in the afternoon at 4 pm to know the current situation.