leaders from various political parties on Mondaywelcomed the 20-year prison term given to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh even as some Opposition leaders lashed out at the Haryana Government for the violence that preceded the pronouncement of the sentence.The Congress lauded the judiciary for proving that no one is above the Constitution and the law.
It, however, accused the Central Government of showing "mulish obstinacy" and arrogance by not sacking the BJP Government in the face of strictures by the High Court after violence in Panchkula that left at least 36 people dead. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said, "We unconditionally welcome... With great respect, we salute how the majesty of the law has been upheld in the state irrespective of our division." Terming the court's order "appropriate", BJP general secretary Anil Jain, who is Haryana in-charge, asserted that those supporters of Ram Rahim who broke law will not be spared.
"The court has delivered an appropriate verdict," he said adding that the Haryana government will ensure that the court orders are implemented.
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said that the law of the land must be implemented, but expressed concerns over the violence after the court on August 25 held Ram Rahim guilty of rape."It is strange that despite the high court's directions, no stringent measures were taken to ensure there was no violence," he said.
The verdict on Friday had led to widespread violence in Punjab, Haryana, parts of Uttar Pradesh and even Delhi leading to the deaths of more than 30 people."The law has taken its course. It is a verdict on the charges of serious nature. One should respect the verdict.”