Losses to be recovered from Dera itself: HC

Chandigarh: The losses caused to property due to violence and arson by the supporters of self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh will be recovered from the Dera Sacha Sauda, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled on Friday, according to a senior government lawyer. The full bench of the High Court also directed the Haryana government to use weapons or force, if required, to tackle the situation arising out of the CBI court verdict in the rape case against the dera head.

The bench will hear the matter further on Saturday, Additional Solicitor General of India Satya Pal Jain said. The full bench comprising acting Chief Justice S Singh Saron, Justice Avneesh Jhingan and Justice Surya Kant was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a Panchkula resident raising law and order concerns.

The court ordered that "in case people indulge in causing loss to the properties, the process will be videographed and total loss will be recovered from the dera," Jain said. The bench directed the authorities in Punjab, Haryana and UT Chandigarh to maintain law and order at any cost.

The court ordered that no political leader, including a minister, will interfere in the working of officers in handling the situation arising out of the verdict. The court also directed that no political, social or religious leader will issue any provocative statement and that FIR would be registered in case it was done by anyone.

"Officers dealing with the situation will perform their job without fear and favour. In case any officer is found wanting in performing duty, strict action will be taken by the court," the bench ordered, according to Jain.