Punjab & Haryana HC Dismisses Bail Plea Of Self-Styled Godman Rampal [Read Order]

On July 1, the bench of Justice S. Muralidhar and Justice Avneesh Jhingan had sought an affidavit from the Senior Police Officer of the concerned district, delineating the feasibility of releasing Rampal on interim bail. On a perusal of the same on Monday, the bench denied the application while holding "No ground has been made out for interim bail."

Rampal was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Sessions Court in Haryana's Hisar in October 2018, after it found him guilty in connection with murder of a child and four women. He has been lodged in Hisar Jail.

In its order dated July 1, the court had sought assurance that:

• (i)Adequate security will be deployed at the wedding venue to ensure that there is no large gathering of people either at the venue or outside and that it is strictly in conformity with the orders regarding the maximum permissible attendance at weddings during these Covid-19 times;
• (ii)That the Applicant/ Appellant will positively surrender peacefully at the end of the interim bail period.

In response, Rahul Sharma (SP, Rohtak) had submitted that given Rampal's previous conduct, there is apprehension that he may be surrounded by his followers and may evade the legal process, reported Indian Express.

Significantly, the bride's father, Virender, who is also a co-convict in the murder cases, was released from prison on July 1, subsequent to an order of interim suspension of sentence dated June 22, 2020.

The bench, comprised by Justice Daya Chaudhary and Justice Meenakshi I. Mehta had observed that Virender's presence for his daughter's marriage was necessary, not only to make arrangements but also to perform customary ceremonies.

Reportedly, this was also a factor considered by the Court while refusing Rampal's bail plea.

Case Details:

Case Title: Rampal v. State of Haryana

Case No.: CRM No. 14574/2020

Quorum: Justice S. Muralidhar and Justice Avneesh Jhingan

Appearance: Senior Advocate Vinod Ghai with Advocate Arjun Sheoran (for Applicant); Addl. AG Deepak Balyan (for State)

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