Assets Of Dera Sacha Sauda To Be Attached If Its Members Are Found To Be Responsible For Violence: Punjab&Haryana HC [Read Order]

The High Court of Punjab and Haryana is closely monitoring the violent situation which has engulfed the State following the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

Large mob gatherings had assembled in Panchkula, as the CBI Court there was set to pronounce its judgment in the rape case alleged against Ram Rahim Singh. Pre-empting violent reaction from the mob claiming to be the followers of self-styled godman Ram Rahim Singh, the High Court had passed orders today morning, issuing comprehensive directions to the State Police as well as Army to do the needful to contain possible violence. Specific directions were issued to the police to capture the video graph of the events to identify trouble-makers. The Court also restrained politicians and leaders from making provocative statements. The counsel appearing for Dera Sacha Sauda made a submission that appeals had been made to its members to maintain calm.

However, after the CBI Court pronounced Ram Rahim Singh guilty, the mob erupted into violence, and unleashed wanton attack on police personnel and public property. Railway station, telephone exchanges, power grid stations etc were attempted to be set on fire by the unruly mob. Taking stock of the situation, the Full Bench of the Court made a special sitting in the post lunch session. The Bench presided by Acting Chief Justice S.S Saron issued peremptory directions for maintainance of law and order. It was also ordered that the loss caused to property will be recovered from the perpetrators of violence. Dera Sacha Sauda was directed to furnish the list of their assets for attachment in case their members are found responsible for the property damage. It was observed as follows :

It is made clear that whosoever has been instigating and inciting the crowd that has gathered to commit these acts of arson and violence, they would be sternly dealt with. The damages that are caused to public and private properties shall be recovered from them. Respondent No.7 – Dera Sacha Sauda shall submit a list of its assets and properties which can be attached in case it is found that they and their followers are responsible for the said acts.