Controversial preacher Rampal walked out of a Haryana jail on Friday after more than 11 years in custody, following bail granted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in connection with the 2014 Satlok Ashram violence case.
Rampal, 75, was received by his family members and legal team outside the prison, where heavy security arrangements were put in place as a large number of followers gathered.
On April 8, the High Court granted him bail while imposing strict conditions, including refraining from promoting “mob mentality” and avoiding participation in gatherings that could disturb law and order.
The bail order was issued by a division bench of Justices Gurvinder Singh Gill and Ramesh Kumari, allowing Rampal’s appeal against a Hisar court’s earlier decision rejecting his bail plea.
Rampal had been booked under multiple charges, including attempt to murder, waging war against the State, and provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The case relates to the 2014 standoff at the Satlok Ashram in Hisar’s Barwala area, where he and his followers allegedly resisted arrest, leading to violent clashes.
According to the prosecution, hundreds of supporters had gathered at the ashram, some allegedly armed, and violence broke out during the police operation.
During the hearing, Rampal’s counsel highlighted his advanced age and prolonged incarceration since December 2014, noting that many co-accused had already been granted bail. The court also took into account that only a fraction of the 425 prosecution witnesses have been examined, and the trial is unlikely to conclude soon.
Observing that the accused had spent over a decade in custody and that the trial would take considerable time, the court deemed it appropriate to grant regular bail.
