Court allows Rampal to appear online in sedition case

Hisar: Self-styled godman Rampal, an accused in the high-profile Barwala Satlok Ashram sedition case, has secured interim relief from a Hisar court, which has permitted him to appear in upcoming hearings through video conferencing (VC). The order was passed by the court of additional sessions judge Jasmin Sharma, citing security concerns, long-distance transportation issues and the need to avoid disruption to judicial proceedings.Rampal's counsel, Advocate Mahender Singh Nain, moved an application before the court seeking exemption from physical appearance and permission to join proceedings virtually. The plea stated that bringing Rampal to court on every hearing requires extensive security arrangements and poses a potential law-and-order challenge. It was also submitted that Rampal is already on bail and has been cooperating with the trial proceedings.The matter was originally listed for hearing on May 16. However, the police moved an urgent application on Thursday seeking early consideration of the plea. The prosecution also supported the request for virtual appearance, pointing to security-related concerns. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court allowed Rampal to appear through VC until a final decision is taken on the application.The case pertains to the violent confrontation during a police operation at Satlok Ashram in Barwala in Nov 2014, when law enforcement agencies attempted to arrest Rampal following court orders. The operation witnessed large-scale violence, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries to several police personnel. Subsequently, several FIRs were registered against Rampal and his followers under charges including sedition, murder, attempt to murder, unlawful activities and obstruction of govt duty.Rampal was recently granted regular bail by the Punjab and Haryana high court in the sedition-related case. He has already been acquitted in some criminal cases, while the high court has suspended his life sentence in murder-related matters pending appeal. With the latest order, Rampal will now be allowed to attend court proceedings virtually until further directions from the court. MSID: 131095140 413 |