The Allahabad High Court has sought a detailed clarification from the Jailer of Hisar Central Jail, Haryana, on how jailed self-styled preacher Sant Rampal is allegedly authoring and disseminating books containing objectionable references to Hindu deities while in custody.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Shekhar B. Saraf and Justice Prashant Kumar passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Hindu Front for Justice and others. The petition seeks a complete ban, seizure, and forfeiture of Rampal’s publications, claiming that the literature contains derogatory depictions of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, amounting to a criminal assault on religious sentiments.
The Bench expressed concern over the continued circulation of such material and directed the State to file a supplementary affidavit, sworn by an officer not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police. The affidavit must detail steps taken to trace and confiscate the controversial books and remove related content from digital platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Google, pursuant to earlier court orders issued in July.
Filed through Advocate Ranjana Agnihotri, the petition alleges that Sant Rampal and his associated organisations are distributing books, pamphlets and posters, such as Jeene Ki Raah, Gyaan Ganga, Garima Geeta Ki, and Andh Shraddha Bhakti – Khatra-e-Jaan—free of cost, with content deliberately designed to insult Sanatana Dharma. The plea claims that such literature promotes hostility between communities and endangers public order and communal harmony.
Despite multiple representations to authorities, the petition states, no preventive action has been taken. It argues that the content violates provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 196, 197, 294, 295, 299, and 302, along with Sections 67A & 67B of the IT Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
Sant Rampal has been incarcerated for over eight years in connection with multiple serious offences, including murder and waging war against the State. In earlier proceedings on July 10, another Bench had asked the State to clarify whether any action was taken under Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, concerning forfeiture of offensive publications.
Finding the State’s response inadequate, the present Bench has directed further compliance and allowed the impleadment of the Jailer, Hisar Central Jail-2 as Respondent No. 13.
The matter is listed for further hearing on November 4, 2025. The petitioners have also sought the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct an independent probe into the alleged facilitation of Rampal’s publishing activities from within the prison.
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