Punjab & Haryana High Court Closes Contempt Case Against 274 Followers Of Self-Styled Godman Rampal For Criticising Judge

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has accepted unconditional apology of over 274 followers of self-styled godman Sant Rampal in a suo motu proceeding initiated in 2019.

In 2019, a letter along with a book titled 'Black Spot on Judiciary, Judge D.R. Chalia' was sent to a High Court judge, with the note that it is published by Rampal's follower and the same was signed by 274 people.

Court of Additional Sessions Judge DR Chalia had sentenced Rampal and others to life imprisonment for murder of four women and a child who were used as human-shield to protect Rampal when police had come to arrest him.

The High Court judge had recommended contempt of court action against the followers who had published the book.

Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Sudeepti Sharma noted that affidavits on behalf of the contemnors are filed and they have tendered their unconditional apology,

"Keeping in view the unconditional apology tendered by the contemnors through their respective attidavits. this Court is constrained to accept the unconditional apology tendered by the respondents/contemnors. Consequently, the instant contempt petition is closed and the respondents, contemnors are discharged," it added.

In an affidavit it was submitted that they withdraw the signature on the "contemptuous" letter stating, "the deponent begs to tender a bonafide and unconditional apology to this Hon'ble Court and to the Ld. Judge named for the entire contents of the booklet in question and is deeply remorseful for the same."

Appearance: Senior Advocate Vinod Ghai with advocates Arjun Sheoran, Arnav Ghai, Rohan Gupta and Kashish Sahni for the contemnors.

Advocate Alisha Arora for Anju Anrora, Amicus Curiae.

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (PH) 337

Click here to read/download the order