High Court asks Centre to release more para military forces for Haryana before Ram Rahim rape case verdict

According to reports, while directing the Centre to make adequate security measures against any possible breach in peace, a division bench headed by Justice S S Saron asked the additional solicitor general of India, Satya Pal Jain to take up the matter with MHA.

Criticising the state administration for allowing the gathering of large number of dera followers at Panchkula, where the judgement would be pronounced on Friday, Justice Saron said that court would not hesitate to dismiss the state DGP, if situation turned volatile.

He said the court could also  explore the possibility of deployment of army to control the situation.

Media reports said at  least two major cities - Chandigarh and Panchkula - are in complete lockdown as they brace for a court verdict tomorrow on whether popular and self-styled spiritual guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singhsexually exploited two women followers nearly 15 years ago.

Nearly two lakhs of Ram Rahim's followers have gathered already in Panchkula, some 15 kms from Chandigarh, where the ruling will be delivered on Friday t 2.30 pm.

Ram Rahim said on Twitter that he will appear in court for the verdict, as ordered by the judge.

"Although, I have back pain, I will abide by the law and will go to court. I have faith in God. Please maintain peace," he posted.

The dera head has been asked to appear in person before the special CBI judge, Jagdeep Singh at the time of pronouncement of the order.

The case of sexual exploitation was filed in 2002 by the CBI on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court after anonymous letters were circulated about the guru sexually exploiting two 'sadhvis' (female followers). The CBI is also investigating whether the Dera chief encouraged the castration of 400 men at his ashram. His followers say these "fake cases" have bred resentment among them.