The Punjab and Haryana High Court has adjourned the hearing on the suspension of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's sentence in the sexual exploitation case until July 21st. The court clarified that it will deliver its decision on the sentence suspension at the next hearing.
Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has adjourned the hearing on the appeal against Dera chief Gurmeet Singh's sentence until July 21st, 2025. During the hearing, the court clarified that it will announce its decision regarding the suspension of the sentence at the next hearing. In August 2017, a CBI court in Panchkula convicted Gurmeet Singh of sexually assaulting two sadhvis (female devotees), sentencing him to 10 years imprisonment on each count, along with a fine of ₹30.2 lakh. He has completed his sentence for one case, and the sentence for the second case is about to commence.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim's Sentence Case
In August 2017, a CBI court in Panchkula convicted Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh of sexually assaulting two sadhvis, sentencing him to 10 years imprisonment on each count and imposing a fine of ₹30.2 lakh. Following the conviction, Gurmeet Ram Rahim appealed to the Punjab-Haryana High Court, seeking justice against his sentence.
During the High Court hearing, Gurmeet Ram Rahim's lawyer argued that the CBI court had convicted him without sufficient evidence and witnesses, claiming it was a miscarriage of justice. He also alleged undue delay in filing the FIR, stating it was based on an anonymous complaint. Furthermore, he argued that the statement regarding sexual assault was recorded six years later, with no complainant present beforehand. The High Court will resume hearing this case on July 21st.
Victims' Appeal
Meanwhile, both victims also filed appeals regarding Gurmeet Ram Rahim's sentence. They requested the High Court to impose a life sentence on the Dera chief to ensure justice for the atrocities committed against them. The High Court accepted these appeals and ordered further consideration at the next hearing.
October 2017 High Court Ruling on Fine
In October 2017, the High Court also made a significant decision regarding the fine imposed on the Dera chief. The court stayed the ₹30.2 lakh fine, directing Gurmeet Ram Rahim to deposit the amount with the CBI court within two months. The court also ordered that the amount be kept as a fixed deposit in a nationalized bank.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim's Prison Status
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in Sunaria Jail for murder and rape cases. On April 9th, he was granted a 21-day furlough (temporary leave), during which he visited his Dera in Sirsa. He met his followers and celebrated the Dera's foundation day. He returned to Sunaria Jail on April 30th after the furlough ended.
Prior to this, Gurmeet Ram Rahim was granted 30 days of parole in January 2025, spending 10 days at the Sirsa Dera and 20 days in Barnawa, Uttar Pradesh. During his recent 21-day furlough, he met his followers in Sirsa, oversaw organizational matters, and participated in religious activities at the Dera.
High Court's Upcoming Decision on Sentence
The Punjab-Haryana High Court will deliver its next decision on Gurmeet Ram Rahim's sentence on July 21st. The court will then announce its final decision on the suspension of the sentence. This decision will play a crucial role in determining the future course of the case, as a sentence suspension could grant Gurmeet Ram Rahim relief from prison. Conversely, if the court does not grant a suspension, he will have to serve his sentence.
Both supporters and critics of Gurmeet Ram Rahim are eagerly awaiting this decision, as the Dera Sacha Sauda chief has millions of followers, and this case remains a topic of national discussion. The July 21st hearing will clarify the Punjab and Haryana High Court's final decision on Gurmeet Ram Rahim's sentence.
