Have renounced the world, have no money says Ram Rahim

The court, however, directed Ram Rahim to deposit the compensation amount within two months in a bank.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that he has renounced the world and has no money to pay the fine slapped on him by the special CBI court.

Ram Rahim had moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court against his conviction and sentence of 20 years imposed by the special CBI court in connection with rape cases.

He said that he has renounced the world and did not have Rs 30 lakh to pay as the fine amount. The HC while admitting his plea issued notice to the CBI. The court also admitted two appeals filed by the victims who have sought a life sentence for Ram Rahim.

The court, however, directed Ram Rahim to deposit the compensation amount within two months in a bank. It would be kept there and paid only after the court's direction. "Our appeal challenging the conviction of Gurmeet Ram Rahim has been admitted.

The court has asked us to deposit the fine with a bank within two months. Also we will get the money back with interest if the decision after appeal favours us," his lawyer added.

We pleaded with the court to take a lenient view in awarding the sentence as the rape cases were old adding that the Dera chief has also worked for the women's cause, the Dera chief's lawyer SK Garg said. "We urged the court that a lenient view should be taken as the case was 18 years old and there was no other case during the period and appealed to award minimum sentence considering his works towards society" Garg said.

The counsel while seeking maximum punishment said 45 other victims are there who have not been able to come forward. They were raped for three years CBI special court judgement sentencing him to 20 years rigorous imprisonment and Rs 30 lakh fine in two rape cases, his lawyer said on Monday.

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