The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted regular bail to 75-year-old preacher Rampal, the head of Satlok Ashram, in connection with the 2014 Barwala violence case. The court cited his advanced age and his decade-long incarceration as primary factors for the decision, while imposing strict conditions against the promotion of “mob mentality.”
The order, passed on April 8 by a division bench comprising Justice Gurvinder Singh Gill and Justice Ramesh Kumari, set aside a previous Hisar court order from September 2025 that had denied the preacher’s bail application.
The case (FIR No. 428) dates back to November 2014, when a tense standoff occurred at the Satlok Ashram in Barwala, Hisar district. Rampal, along with over 900 followers, was accused of resisting arrest by security forces.
The prosecution alleged that a massive gathering of supporters, some armed, used women and children as human shields to prevent police from entering the premises. The ensuing conflict led to charges including attempt to murder, waging war against the state, and violations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
During the hearing, Rampal’s counsel highlighted that the appellant has been behind bars since December 8, 2014. It was argued that:
- The preacher is now 75 years old.
- Out of approximately 900 co-accused in the FIR, most have already been granted bail, including 140 who faced identical charges.
- The trial progress is significantly delayed; out of 425 prosecution witnesses, only 58 have been examined to date.
The State counsel strongly opposed the plea, describing the allegations as “serious in nature.” The State argued that Rampal orchestrated the gathering to avoid arrest, leading to followers pelting stones and firing at police personnel.
While weighing the gravity of the allegations against the right to a speedy trial, the High Court noted that the trial is unlikely to conclude in the near future.
“Considering the long incarceration of the appellant/accused which is more than 11 years and his age being about 75 years and that majority of the witnesses are yet to be examined… it is a fit case to release the appellant/accused in regular bail,” the court stated.
However, the bench expressed caution regarding the potential for future unrest. The High Court directed Rampal not to promote any kind of “mob mentality” and strictly warned him to avoid congregations where participants might cause a breach of peace or law and order.
The court further clarified that the State reserves the right to seek cancellation of the bail should Rampal violate any conditions or engage in activities “having trappings of inciting others to commit any offence.”
