Baba Rampal fails to appear in High Court; tight security in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Sep 24: Baba Rampal, a sect leader, on Wednesday, sought exemption from appearance in Punjab and Haryana High Court in connection with alleged vandalism by his supporters in a Hisar court, even as authorities clamped prohibitory orders here apprehending trouble by his followers.

The counsel of Rampal of Haryana's Satlok Ashram sought exemption from his personal appearance in the high court on medical grounds, following which the matter was adjourned till November 5.

In view of Rampal's scheduled appearance in the high court, thousands of his supporters arrived in the city. Apprehending law and order trouble, police beefed up security in the Union Territory and a large posse of policemen was deployed around the court premises.

The Chandigarh Administration also imposed Section 144 of the CrPC throughout the city, banning assembly of five or more persons. Tight security arrangements have also been made at the Sector 25 rally ground here, where Rampal's supporters were expected to gather.

On July 15, supporters of Rampal had marched inside the district court complex in Hisar and allegedly tried to create trouble in the court proceedings in connection with a case.

The high court had taken cognisance of the matter and issued notices to Rampal and Haryana government seeking their response, while directing the spiritual leader to appear before it.

PTI