In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday suspended the life sentences of self-styled godman Sant Rampal in two separate murder cases linked to the 2014 Hisar clashes. The bench, comprising Justice Gurvinder Singh Gill and Justice Deepinder Singh Nalwa, noted that several aspects of the case, including the actual cause of death, required deeper examination.
Background
The cases stem from violent clashes between Rampal’s followers and the police in November 2014. Authorities had moved to arrest him at his Hisar ashram, leading to a standoff where four women and a child lost their lives. A Special Court had later convicted Rampal in 2018, sentencing him to life imprisonment. Since then, he has spent more than ten years behind bars while challenging the conviction before the High Court.
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Rampal’s lawyers argued that the deaths were not due to any act of murder but occurred after police lobbed tear gas shells, causing suffocation and panic. “As a matter of fact, the deaths occurred when police admittedly lobbed tear gas shells at the dera… conditions of suffocation developed leading to a stampede,” his counsel submitted.
The State, however, presented a different picture. It contended that Rampal had virtually confined women and children in a closed room, creating conditions that ultimately led to their deaths.
Court’s Observations
The bench made it clear that contradictions in witness accounts could not be overlooked. “Even the eye-witnesses, who are relatives of the deceased, have not supported the prosecution and instead stated that suffocation was caused due to tear gas shells,” the court observed.
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The judges also pointed out Rampal’s advancing age and the time he has already spent in prison. “Having regard to the fact that the applicant/appellant as on date is aged about 74 years and has undergone substantial period of sentence i.e. 10 years, 08 months & 21 days, we find it to be a fit case for suspending the sentence during pendency of the appeal,” the order said.
Decision
Granting relief, the court suspended Rampal’s sentence but imposed strict conditions. He has been barred from attending large congregations or promoting any activity that could encourage “mob mentality.” The bench cautioned that any violation of these conditions would allow the State to move for cancellation of bail.
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The decision comes just days after the same bench had suspended his sentence in another related case concerning the death of a woman disciple. In both matters, the judges leaned on the lack of support from key prosecution witnesses and Rampal’s prolonged incarceration as grounds for temporary relief.
With these suspensions, Rampal will remain free while his main appeals continue to be heard. Whether the convictions will ultimately hold or collapse under the weight of contradictory testimonies remains a matter for the coming months.
Case Title: Sant Rampal v. State of Haryana
Date of Order: September 2, 2024
