Panchkula, Aug. 19 -- Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, currently on parole, skipped a recent court hearing in connection with the castration case. The matter was heard by the CBI court of special judicial magistrate Anil Kumar Yadav on August 14 when Ram Rahim's counsel filed an exemption application, stating that he was on a 40-day parole, granted on August 4, and that his movement was restricted by the competent authority, making him unable to appear in court.

His counsel contended that his absence was not intentional and that he had no objection to the proceedings continuing without him. The judge accepted the application, granting a one-time exemption from personal appearance.

The other two accused, Dr MP Singh and Dr Panka...