Supreme Court Issues Notice to Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2002 Murder Case of Former Dera Manager
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in connection with the 2002 murder case of Ranjit Singh, a former Dera manager. The notice follows a petition filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), challenging the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which acquitted Ram Rahim and his co-accused in the case.
A bench of Chief Justice Sanjeev Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar acknowledged that the matter was already being heard by a bench led by Justice Bela M. Trivedi and ordered that the case be transferred to her bench for further proceedings.
The case centers on the murder of Ranjit Singh, which occurred on July 10, 2002, in the Khanpur Colony of Haryana.Singh was shot dead allegedly due to his suspected involvement in circulating an anonymous letter that exposed serious allegations against Ram Rahim, including claims of sexual exploitation of women followers at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa. The letter ignited widespread outrage, ultimately resulting in Singh’s tragic murder.
In 2021, a special CBI court in Panchkula found Gurmeet Ram Rahim and four others—Avtar Singh, Krishan Lal, Jasbir Singh, and Sabdil Singh—guilty of involvement in the murder. The court sentenced all five to life imprisonment and imposed substantial fines: Rs 31 lakh on Ram Rahim, Rs 1.50 lakh on Sabdil Singh, Rs 1.25 lakh each on Jasbir Singh and Krishan Lal, and Rs 75,000 on Avtar Singh.
The CBI court’s verdict concluded that Ram Rahim had orchestrated the murder to silence Singh, who was believed to be behind the circulation of the letter that exposed the rape and abuse allegations. However, in May 2024, the Punjab and Haryana High Court overturned the conviction, acquitting all five accused.
Apart from the murder charges, Ram Rahim has also faced legal challenges related to his involvement in multiple other criminal cases. Notably, his 2017 conviction for the rape of two women followers led to violent protests across Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi, resulting in 30 deaths and over 250 injuries. The violence prompted the deployment of the Army to restore order.
Ram Rahim was also convicted for the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatarpati, who had reported on the sexual assault allegations against him. As a result, the self-proclaimed godman is serving a 20-year prison sentence, further complicating his legal battles.
The ongoing developments in the 2002 murder case and the previous convictions highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of the legal proceedings surrounding Gurmeet Ram Rahim, with both legal and public ramifications.
Implications for Ram Rahim’s Influence and Legal Landscape
The case continues to capture significant attention, not just for its legal implications but also due to the ongoing influence of Gurmeet Ram Rahim in certain sections of Indian society. As the head of Dera Sacha Sauda, a religious and social organization with millions of followers, Ram Rahim’s criminal convictions have sparked debates about the intersection of religion, power, and justice in India. Despite his legal troubles, his followers remain loyal, and the organization has a considerable social footprint in many parts of the country.
The appeal of his conviction and the new legal proceedings also have wider ramifications in terms of the credibility of the judicial system. Questions regarding the High Court’s decision to overturn the CBI court’s ruling have raised eyebrows, especially among those who believe the law should be applied uniformly and without bias, irrespective of the status or power of the accused.
Political and Social Reactions
The legal battle surrounding Ram Rahim is also a reminder of the social and political consequences that can arise from high-profile cases. In Haryana and Punjab, where Dera Sacha Sauda has substantial support, political figures have occasionally aligned themselves with Ram Rahim and his followers. This intersection between religion, politics, and justice has further complicated the narrative, with some critics suggesting that his acquittal might be tied to political pressures or the influence of his vast network of supporters.
The upcoming hearings in the Supreme Court and further legal scrutiny will undoubtedly have an impact on how cases involving influential figures like Ram Rahim are handled in the future. The public, too, continues to watch closely, as this case may shape how the judiciary navigates complex cases where power, religion, and law intersect.
Looking Ahead
As the legal battle over the 2002 murder case continues, it remains uncertain how the Supreme Court will rule on the matter. The court’s eventual decision could set important precedents for similar cases involving influential figures and organizations. The unfolding drama in this case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges India faces in ensuring that justice is served impartially, irrespective of the individual’s status or following.
In the coming months, both the legal community and the public will closely monitor the proceedings, hoping that the final verdict ensures accountability and reinforces the rule of law, no matter how powerful or influential the accused may be.
