Punjab, Haryana HC issue fresh non-bailable warrant against Sant Rampal

Even as the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against the murder-accused godman Sant Rampal for contempt, his supporters fortified his mission campus in Chandigarh demanding his release.

Rampal faces contempt for skipping judicial proceedings before a Sessions Court in Haryana's Hisar district on November 05, citing medical reasons.

The joint state court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Rampal and asked him to appear before the court on Monday.

However, the public prosecutor, advocate Anupam Gupta said that the next hearing will be held on November 21.

"The court has issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against Rampal and given directions that by it must be executed by any means whatsoever," said Gupta.

Earlier, the High Court had reserved its order on the issue after counsel for the sect leader submitted a fresh medical certificate before the court that Rampal was not medically fit to appear before the court.

Tension prevailed as thousands of Rampal's supporters and private security guards crowded outside his campus, shouting slogans and protesting against his arrest.

According to media reports, Rampal has been hiding out at his campus 'Satlok Ashram', for nearly two weeks.

Meanwhile, Rampal's lawyer S N Garg , denied that the godman was using women and supporters to shield himself.

"Rampal believes in justice and respects the court's orders. He is seriously ill and unable to walk. The state government had presented a medical certificate in the court issued by a board of doctors that Rampal is suffering from health problems, but the court rejected it later," said Garg.

Rampal was charged with murder, attempt to murder and other charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in 2006 after his followers attacked villagers.

He was released on bail which has now been cancelled due to his absence during trials.

In 2013, Rampal's followers clashed with villagers in northern town of Rohtak, killing three people.