Ram Rahim faces new legal trouble, trial to begin in 'Impotency' case

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim's legal troubles are intensifying as the trial in the case involving the alleged sterilization of sadhus in the name of spiritual union is set to begin. The Punjab-Haryana High Court has reserved its decision on a petition filed by the CBI challenging a Panchkula CBI Court's order to provide Ram Rahim with access to case documents, including the diary and witness statements.

The High Court had previously stayed the trial in 2019 following the CBI's petition, halting proceedings. However, once the decision is made, the trial is expected to resume. The case involves allegations that sadhus at the Dera were made impotent under the guise of spiritual practices. The petitioner claimed to be a victim of this procedure and reported experiencing unusual changes in his body. Following a lengthy hearing, the High Court had ordered a CBI investigation, which led to the charge sheet being presented in the Panchkula CBI court.

On February 16, 2019, the CBI court ordered that the diary and witness statements be handed over to Gurmeet Ram Rahim, a decision that the CBI later challenged in the High Court. The High Court's ruling on this challenge will determine if the trial can proceed.