In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court  lifted the stay against jailed Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, imposed by Punjab and Haryana High Court on his trials in the 2015 Bargari sacrilege cases. According to reports, the Court also issued a notice to the self-styled godman on the plea filed by the Punjab govt. against stay on proceedings by the High Court in the case.

The Supreme Court has cleared the trial for Rahim’s prosecution in three cases involving the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib and the holy scripture of Sikhs. According to sources, the Supreme Court Bench issued a notice to Ram Rahim to respond in four weeks. The Bench which passed the judgement comprised of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan.

Ram Rahim is currently serving a 20-year sentence for rape along with a charge of murder, as per reports. The incidents of sacrilege took place in the Bargari region of Punjab’s Faridkot district in 2015. The case involved the alleged desecration and disappearance of Guru Granth Sahib, thus triggering a massive outrage among the Sikh community.

Appeal Against HC Verdict

The Punjab and Haryana High Court stayed proceedings in the three sacrilege cases against Ram Rahim and paused further trial, this year. The ruling was subsequently challenged by the Punjab Government. This prompted the case to be brought before the the Supreme Court.