New Delhi: After the relief given to Dera Sachcha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh from the Punjab and Haryana High Court in the journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati murder case, the case has now reached the Supreme Court. The apex court has issued a notice while hearing the petition challenging the acquittal decision of Ram Rahim. Journalist’s son Aridaman Chhatrapati had approached the Supreme Court against the High Court’s decision. Considering the matter worthy of consideration, a three-member bench has listed it for final hearing in November.
What is the complete decision of the Supreme Court?
The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, includes Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana. While issuing notice on the petition of Aridaman Chhatrapati, the court has directed the calling of the records of the lower court and statements of witnesses. The final hearing of the case will take place in the week starting in November. Senior advocate R, appearing for Ram Rahim. Basant argued that no appeal has been filed by the state against the High Court’s acquittal decision. However, the bench said that this case pertains to overturning the conviction verdict of the lower court, hence it cannot be considered a case of mere acquittal.
When did Ram Rahim get relief from the High Court?
In March 2026, the Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitted Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the 2002 journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati murder case. The High Court had overturned the decision of the special CBI court, in which Ram Rahim and three other accused were sentenced to life imprisonment. However, the High Court upheld the conviction against two other accused in the case. Now the son of the deceased journalist has filed a petition in the Supreme Court against this decision.
How was journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati murdered in 2002?
Ramchandra Chhatrapati was a journalist from Sirsa and used to publish a newspaper named ‘Pura Sach’. He was shot dead by motorcycle-riding assailants outside his residence on 24 October 2002. Critically injured Chhatrapati fought for his life for about a month and died on 21 November 2002. Shortly before the murder, an anonymous letter related to the alleged sexual exploitation of sadhvis associated with Dera Sacha Sauda was published in his newspaper.
Why was the investigation handed over to CBI?
After the murder, the initial investigation of the case was done by the local police, but after questions were raised on the investigation, the Punjab and Haryana High Court handed it over to the CBI in November 2003. After a long investigation, the special CBI court of Panchkula in January 2019 found Ram Rahim and three other accused guilty of conspiracy to murder. The court had sentenced everyone to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 each. Later the accused challenged this decision in the High Court.
Which points will now be investigated in the Supreme Court?
The apex court has expressed the need to re-examine the testimony of important witnesses in the case and the records of the lower court. Ram Rahim’s lawyer cited the High Court’s finding in which the credibility of the key witness was questioned. On the other hand, it was claimed by the petitioner that despite upholding the findings of the lower court related to the murder conspiracy, the High Court did not consider the alleged role of Ram Rahim as proven. Now the Supreme Court will examine these arguments and the available evidence.
