Sant Rampal Ji Biography

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Sant Rampal Ji (born 7 September 1951) is an Indian religious leader and preacher associated with the Kabir Panth tradition. He is the founder of the socio-spiritual organization Satlok Ashram, which operates multiple centers in India and abroad. Rampal Ji is known for his interpretation of the scriptures of major world religions, including the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Puranas, Guru Granth Sahib, Bible, and Quran, presenting them through the framework of the teachings of Saint Kabir.

Early Life

Sant Rampal Ji was born in the village of Dhanana in the Indian state of Haryana. Before adopting a spiritual path, he worked as a junior engineer in the irrigation department of Haryana. According to his followers, he was inspired by the works of various saints and began studying religious scriptures during his early adulthood. His initiation into spiritual practice eventually led him to leave government service and take up the role of a full-time spiritual teacher.

Founding of Satlok Ashram

In the late 1990s, Rampal Ji established Satlok Ashram with the aim of propagating what he describes as “true devotion” based on scriptural evidence. The ashram promotes a structured system of worship, moral conduct, and social reform. It also organizes large congregations, spiritual discourses, and community service programs.

The teachings at the ashram emphasize non-violence, abstention from intoxicants, equality among all human beings, and withdrawal from what it terms “arbitrary” rituals.

Teachings and Philosophy

Sant Rampal Ji presents his teachings as scripturally supported interpretations consistent with the philosophy of Kabir Panth. Key themes of his teachings include:

  • Supremacy of the Supreme God Kabir as understood in the Vedas and other scriptures
  • Distinction between Kaal (Brahm), Akshar Purush, and Param Akshar Purush
  • Attainment of liberation (moksha) through Satbhakti, a practice he describes as “true devotion”
  • Rejection of rituals, idol worship, astrology, and traditional offerings
  • Emphasis on one global human race, promoting unity beyond caste, religion, or ethnicity
  • Moral discipline, including abstinence from intoxicants and adherence to ethical conduct

His discourses frequently reference multiple religious texts to argue that the path of devotion taught by Kabir is universal and compatible with all religions.

Publications

Sant Rampal Ji has authored several books and commentaries aimed at clarifying scriptural teachings. Notable works include:

  • Jeene Ki Rah (Way of Living) – A widely circulated book emphasizing practical moral conduct and spiritual discipline
  • Gyan Ganga
  • Bhakti Bodh
  • Various explanatory booklets and discourse collections

His writings often present a comparative analysis of Hindu, Sikh, Christian, and Islamic texts.

Social Views and Activities

Satlok Ashram under his guidance runs various social and charitable initiatives, including:

  • Free food (langar) at major events
  • Blood donation drives
  • Disaster relief efforts
  • Anti-addiction awareness programs
  • Campaigns against social evils such as dowry, female infanticide, and animal sacrifice

Supporters highlight the ashram’s emphasis on a disciplined lifestyle, equality, and humanitarian service.

Controversies and Legal Matters

Sant Rampal Ji’s public life has involved legal disputes and controversies that received significant media coverage. These include:

  • Conflict between his followers and traditional religious groups
  • Court cases related to ashram activities
  • Arrests and legal battles associated with events around the Satlok Ashram in Hisar

Legal proceedings have continued in various forms, and his followers maintain that the cases against him were politically or ideologically motivated.

Timeline of major cases, judgments and current status

  1. Karontha (Rohtak) — FIR No. 198 / incident dated 12 July 2006

    • What happened / charges: Violent clash between Rampal’s followers and a group of villagers/Arya Samaj activists at Karontha ashram in July 2006; one person died and many were injured. Rampal ji was accused in cases including murder/attempt to murder and related offences. (FIR numbers associated with 2006 matters include FIR No.198/2006 and related Rohtak FIRs). 
    • Court & judgment date: Rohtak trial court (Additional/Session Court) — acquitted on 20 December 2022. Hindustan Times and other reports state the local court acquitted Rampal ji and 23 others for lack of evidence. (Hindustan Times)
    • Status now: Acquitted / case closed at trial level (Dec 20, 2022). (Appeal possibilities exist in principle, but the reported order at that time was an acquittal by the Rohtak court.) (Hindustan Times)

  2. Barwala / Satlok Ashram standoff — Multiple FIRs arising from November 2014 operation

    • FIR No. 428/2014 (Barwala PS) — sedition / waging war against the State / UAPA / Arms Act / Explosive Substances Act (registered in the aftermath of the November 2014 attempt to arrest Rampal ji).

      • Court & present status: Long-running sessions/terror/major-offence docket (listed in court records); widely reported as pending / under trial (prosecution stage and connected appeals/adjacent proceedings). Several summary sources identify FIR 428 as the sedition/UAPA file still pending.

    • FIR No. 429/2014 and FIR No. 430/2014 (Barwala PS) — murder / criminal conspiracy / wrongful confinement — these two FIRs relate to the deaths of followers (five women and an 18-month-old infant) found at the ashram during the November 2014 siege. (The Times of India)

      • Trial court conviction (Hisar Special Court): Found guilty in October 2018 — the trial court convicted Sant Rampal Ji and several of his followers in the two murder cases (FIR 429 and FIR 430). The court pronounced convictions beginning 11 October 2018 (guilt) and announced quantum/penalties thereafter; the convicts were sentenced to life imprisonment (orders on quantum pronounced in mid-October 2018). (The Times of India)
      • Status after trial: Convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment (Oct 2018). Appeals were filed against the conviction. (The Times of India)

    • High Court relief — suspension of sentence (Punjab & Haryana High Court):

      • Order / date: In 2025 the Punjab & Haryana High Court suspended / stayed the life sentences that had been imposed in the 2018 murder convictions and granted conditional relief (suspension of sentence) pending the outcome of appeals — the HC framed conditions (including restraint from promoting “mob mentality” and staying away from gatherings likely to disturb public order). Multiple news outlets reported the High Court order suspending the sentence and placing conditions on Rampal ji’s conduct. (High Court suspension reported in recent 2025 news coverage.) (The Times of India)
      • Present status (as reported): Sentence suspended by P&H High Court (2025) — conditional release/suspension pending appeal; underlying convictions remain under challenge in higher courts. (The Times of India)

  3. Two criminal cases — wrongful confinement / obstructing government (FIR Nos. 426 & 427 / Barwala — registered Nov 2014; trial 2017)

    • What / charges: These FIRs alleged obstructing government servants from performing their duty and wrongful confinement (connected to attempts to serve warrants and the Barwala events). (The Times of India)
    • Court & judgment date: Hisar Judicial Magistrate’s Court — acquitted on 29 August 2017 (judge found witnesses/complainants had turned hostile or prosecution failed to prove charges). Reports explicitly identify these as FIR Nos 426 and 427. (The Times of India)
    • Status now: Acquitted (Aug 29, 2017).

  4. Dispensary / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules case (recovery of medicines) — (Hisar trial; date of order 26 July 2021)

    • What / charges: Case under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules/Act arising from seizure/inventory at the ashram dispensary. (The Times of India)
    • Court & judgment date: Hisar district court / Additional District & Sessions Judge (Ved Parkash Sirohi) — acquitted on 26 July 2021 (court held prosecution failed to prove charges). (The Tribune)
    • Status now: Acquitted (July 26, 2021).

Short summary / interpretation

  • The 2006 Karontha case (the long-running Rohtak matter) ended at trial with Rampal ji’s acquittal on 20 December 2022 (Rohtak court), after many years of litigation. (Hindustan Times)
  • The 2014 Barwala/Satlok Ashram incident produced multiple FIRs: among them FIR 429 and 430 led to convictions and life sentences in October 2018 (trial court); those life sentences were suspended by the Punjab & Haryana High Court in 2025 pending appeals and subject to conditions. FIR 428 (the sedition/UAPA/similar major FIR) remains in the criminal docket and has been described in sources as pending. Several other FIRs (426, 427 — obstruction/wrongful confinement) were acquitted in August 2017, and a Drugs & Cosmetics case was acquitted in July 2021. (The Times of India)

Awards & Honours Conferred on Sant Rampal Ji

  1. Manavta Rakshak (मानवता रक्षक / Protector/Savior of Humanity)

    • Date: 12 October 2025 (ceremony announced/held).
    • Place / Conferred by: Maham Chaubisi Khap Panchayat (Maham Chaubisi Chabutra, Meham, Rohtak district, Haryana).
    • Context: Khap leaders publicly declared the decision to honor Sant Rampal Ji for his flood-relief and humanitarian work; the event was widely publicized on regional social channels and by the ashram’s media.
    • Sources: Dainik Bhaskar listing / regional app post. (Dainik Bhaskar)

  2. Dhanana Ratan (धनाना रत्न)

    • Date: 8 November 2025.
    • Place / Conferred by: Dhanana village (Sonipat, Haryana) — conferred by 36 biraderis (clan groups) of Dhanana; ceremony reported at Shaheed Captain Singh Stadium, Dhanana.
    • Context: A local, birth-village honor recognizing his “Annapurna Muhim” (feeding/welfare mission) and community service; reported on the ashram’s news site and shared widely on social channels.
    • Sources: Jagatgururampalji / ashram news post; social posts. (SA News Channel)

  3. Kisan Rakshak (किसान रक्षक / Farmer Protector)

    • Date: 9 November 2025.
    • Place / Conferred by: Gurana village (Hisar district, Haryana) — organized by a coalition of local khap panchayats and sarpanch associations (reports mention 44/45 villages, Naugama Bura Khap, Puniya Khap, Puniya/Pruniya lists).
    • Context: Presented as recognition for his ashram’s relief efforts for farmers during floods (pumping out fields, supplying fodder, etc.). The event was covered by several regional outlets and posted as livestreams on local channels.
    • Sources: LiveMagadh / SA News / Jagatgururampalji / regional livestreams. (YouTube)

Following and Influence

Sant Rampal Ji has a substantial following across several Indian states, including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh, as well as an increasing international presence through online platforms. His sermons are broadcast through television channels, social media, and digital publications.

Supporters view him as a Tatvadarshi Saint who reveals the correct interpretation of the scriptures. Critics often challenge his reinterpretation of traditional religious texts and his claim to scriptural authority. Despite differing perspectives, his influence in modern Indian spirituality remains notable.

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