Satlok Ashram violence: Court allows Rampal to appear virtually in future hearings

Hisar: A Hisar court has allowed self-styled godman Rampal to appear via video conferencing in all future hearings of the sedition case linked to the 2014 Satlok Ashram violence in Barwala.The court of additional sessions judge Jasmin Sharma granted the exemption, citing security concerns, long-distance transportation issues and the need to avoid unnecessary disruption in judicial proceedings. Earlier, on May 14, the court permitted Rampal to appear through VC for a single hearing. The latest order extends the relief to all upcoming proceedings in the case.Rampal's counsel Sachin Das confirmed the development and stated that an application was moved before the court, highlighting the administrative and security challenges involved in bringing Rampal physically to court on every date of hearing. The plea also mentioned the possibility of law-and-order issues during transportation.The defence argued that Rampal is already on bail and has been cooperating with the trial, and therefore should be allowed to attend proceedings virtually. Police authorities also supported the request in their reply before the court, citing security reasons and recommending permission for virtual appearance.The case pertains to the violent clashes that erupted during the police operation at Barwala's Satlok Ashram in 2014, when law enforcement agencies attempted to arrest Rampal. The operation witnessed large-scale violence, resulting in several deaths and injuries to many police personnel. Multiple cases, including charges of sedition, murder, attempt to murder and unlawful activities, were registered against Rampal and his followers.Notably, Rampal was recently granted regular bail by the Punjab and Haryana high court. He has already been acquitted in some cases, while the high court earlier stayed the life sentence awarded to him in murder-related matters.Following the latest order, Rampal will continue to appear before the court through video conferencing until further directions.MSID:: 131263430 413 |