A court in Hisar has permitted self-styled godman Rampal to attend proceedings in the sedition case against him through video conferencing.
The case stems from the 2014 violence at Satlok Ashram. Additional Sessions Judge Jasmine Sharma approved Rampal’s virtual appearance for the hearing scheduled on May 16 and for subsequent trial proceedings until further orders.
Rampal’s lawyer, Mahender Singh Nain, moved the application seeking permission for appearance via video conferencing.
Although the matter was initially fixed for hearing on May 16, the police requested that it be taken up earlier. They also backed the plea for virtual participation, citing security concerns. After hearing both sides, the court allowed Rampal to join the proceedings through video conferencing.
The case is connected to the 2014 police operation at Satlok Ashram in Barwala, where clashes erupted when police attempted to arrest Rampal. The violence led to several deaths and injuries to many police personnel.
Following the incident, several cases were lodged against Rampal and his followers under charges including sedition, murder, attempt to murder, and other serious offences.
Recently, Rampal was granted regular bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He has already been acquitted in some cases, while the High Court had earlier stayed the life sentence handed to him in murder-related matters.
