Court rules on SGPC petition, cautions against favouritism

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has recently concluded the hearing of the SGPC’s petition, which contested the temporary release of the imprisoned Dera Sacha Sauda chief.

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The court emphasized that decisions regarding temporary release should be made by the appropriate authority, ensuring no “arbitrariness or favoritism” in the process.

This ruling followed a day after a bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal of the High Court reserved its decision after considering the arguments presented by all parties involved.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the leading gurdwara management organization, had challenged the temporary release of Ram Rahim, the head of Dera Sacha Sauda, based in Sirsa. The SGPC argued that Ram Rahim was serving multiple sentences for serious crimes such as murder and rape, and his release could threaten India’s sovereignty, integrity, and public order.

In June this year, Ram Rahim approached the high court, seeking a 21-day furlough. Earlier, on February 29, the high court had directed the Haryana government not to grant further parole to the Dera chief without its explicit permission.