Punjab Government Approves Prosecution of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in 2015 Sacrilege Cases

The Punjab government has authorized the prosecution of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh for his role in the 2015 sacrilege incidents, which led to protests and fatalities. The Supreme Court recently lifted a stay on the trial, and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann approved the prosecution. Singh was previously convicted in other serious cases.

The Punjab government has taken a significant step forward in the 2015 sacrilege incidents by granting the prosecution sanction against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the jailed Dera Sacha Sauda chief. This decision follows the recent Supreme Court order vacating the stay on the trial imposed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Sources report that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who also holds the Home ministry portfolio, sanctioned the prosecution on Monday. Singh, currently serving a 20-year sentence for rape and a murder conviction, is accused of being a key conspirator in sacrilege cases that sparked protests in Faridkot in 2015, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

The Punjab Police's Special Investigation Team had previously indicted Singh under Section 295 A of the IPC. The state intends to pursue exemplary punishment to uphold justice for the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib, according to CM Mann. This move addresses criticisms from Congress regarding delayed actions against Singh.

(With inputs from agencies.)