New Delhi, Aug 25 (IANS): The central government on Friday took stock of the law and order situation in Punjab and Haryana ahead of a verdict against Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case.

"The Home Ministry has taken stock of the situation in Haryana and Punjab and the security measures being taken by both the states to handle any untoward situation once the verdict is announced," an official said.

The Home Ministry official said over 200 companies of paramilitary forces were deployed in Haryana and Punjab.

Besides, the ministry had kept over 50 paramilitary companies ready in emergency.

The Dera chief is to appear in a CBI court in Panchkula near Chandigarh in the case pertaining to the alleged rape and sexual exploitation of a former female disciple.

Despite charges of murder, conspiracy and rape that he faces, the Dera chief enjoys Z-category security provided by Haryana Police and moves around in a fleet of bullet-proof luxury sport utility vehicles.