Overview
- Rampal left Hisar Central Jail after completing bail formalities as police managed crowds of followers outside the prison.
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court granted him regular bail on Wednesday, ordering strict terms that bar promoting any 'mob mentality' and participation in gatherings that could threaten public order.
- The bench said his more than 11 years in custody, his age of about 75, and the slow pace of the case made continued detention unjust, noting only 58 of 425 witnesses have testified.
- The 2014 Barwala case accuses him and hundreds of followers of resisting arrest at the Satlok Ashram under serious charges that include the UAPA, attempt to murder, and waging war against the state.
- Many of the roughly 900 co-accused already have bail, and the trial continues as the state can seek to cancel his release if he breaches any condition.