SC moved seeking mechanism to deal with situation post Dera chief’s conviction

New Delhi, Aug 28 (IANS) The Supreme Court was moved on Monday seeking directions to the Central, Haryana and Delhi governments to put in place a mechanism to deal with the situation that arose soon after Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted of rape.

Petitioner Mohammed Sakil, a Delhi resident, sought direction for putting in place a "transparent mechanism" for the government officials and also the police to act promptly to save lives and property.

He contended that the violence and disturbance caused post conviction of Dera chief resulted in the violation of the Constitution's Article 21 of a large section of people to live in peace and without fear of injury to life and liberty.

The PIL, filed by counsel Vijay Panjwani, has sought direction for setting up of an expert committee to be headed by a High Court judge to assess the damage caused to people by injuries, loss of life and loss of property.

It has sought further directions that the properties, banks balance, cash in hand, of Dera Sacha Sauda and that its chief may be attached and auctioned to pay compensation for loss of life, injury, and damage to property.

Convicted by a special CBI court on Friday, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was on Monday sentenced to 20 years in jail for rape and criminal intimidation and fined Rs 30 lakh.