Rampal unruffled as he appears in jam-packed court

Rampal was made to stand in the witness box on the right side, facing the judges. He did not seem nervous, nor did he show any desire to speak. He kept his eyes closed most of the time, as if in meditation.

The judges were firm, sending across a clear message that the law would always prevail, however strong and influential an accused might think himself. They did not put any direct question to Rampal and sought all explanations from his senior counsel S K Garg Narwana.

Amicus curiae Anupam Gupta was eloquent, arguing that the unholy practices of such men should be nipped in the bud in future and that the case could set an example for self-styled godmen across the country.

While he was coming out around 2.35 pm, reporters asked Rampal whether there were bunkers, or arms and ammunition inside his Satlok Ashram. “Kuch nahi aisa, bas meri kismat hi kharab hai,” he replied.

About 1,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed for the security of the high court complex. They included men from the Chandigarh Police, India Reserve Battalion, Central Reserve Police Force, and the Rapid Action Force. The UT Police was deputed at the high court at 6 am.

Three RAF companies were deputed at the court complex, and three at the two outer cordons. The courtroom was barricaded by the police. Gate number 2 of the high court was closed at 2 pm as soon as the hearing started.

Rampal arrived about 1.20 pm in a Haryana Police vehicle, accompanied by a huge police contingent. Clad in a white kurta-pyjama, and a white cloth covering his face, he waved at the cameras waiting for him, but was immediately taken inside, keeping the excited onlookers at bay.

A van of the Haryana Police in which he was brought to the court remained stationed there. In order to avoid chaos, a separate gallery for the electronic media was formed using barricades.

After the hearing got over, the security personnel cordoned off the entrance, dispersed the crowd and then made human chains making way for the vehicles. As Rampal stepped out of the courtroom, advocates shouted in chorus, “Shame, shame.’’ The cavalcade left around 3 pm and by 3.30 pm, the entire security paraphernalia had vanished.