SGPC challenges quashing of FIR against Sirsa dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in HC

PTC Web Desk: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has filed a revision petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking action regarding the FIR registered in 2007 against dera chief Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. This petition challenges the order of the Sessions Judge in Bathinda, which quashed the summons issued against Ram Rahim.

The FIR was registered on May 20, 2007, under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in Salabatpura, alleging that Ram Rahim impersonated Guru Maharaj. In 2014, the police submitted a cancellation report stating that no offense was made out. However, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in Bathinda opined that an offense had indeed occurred and issued summons against the dera chief.

In response to the CJM's order, Ram Rahim filed a revision petition in the Sessions Court, which on August 7, 2014, accepted the petition and set aside the summons against him. Subsequently, in 2015, Jaspal Singh Manjpur filed a petition in the High Court challenging the Sessions Judge's orders, requesting their annulment. The High Court issued notices to both the dera chief and the Punjab government in this regard.

Recently, the SGPC also filed a revision petition, contesting the Sessions Judge's orders. Lakhbir Singh, in charge of the Chandigarh sub-office of the SGPC, stated that Ram Rahim, already convicted in cases of rape and murder, should not be granted relief.

Notably, this petition by the SGPC has been filed nearly nine years after the original FIR. Consequently, the High Court issued a notice regarding the delayed filing of the petition. The court has now adjourned the hearing to November 7 and directed that it be heard alongside previously filed petitions related to the same case.

- With inputs from our correspondent

Join Whatsapp Channel