Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief sentenced to 20 years in prison for rape and other criminal charges, has been granted a 40-day parole by the Haryana government. This latest parole, granted on medical grounds, marks his 14th release since his conviction in August 2017.
Ram Rahim was released from the Sunaria jail in Rohtak on Tuesday and is expected to return on September 14. During this furlough, he will remain confined to his ashram in Sirsa. Over the past nine months, he has spent a total of 91 days outside prison on parole or furlough. The parole granted amidst ongoing regional elections has reignited debate and protests regarding the preferential treatment of influential convicts.
Parole Details, Official Stance, and Restrictions
According to prison officials, Ram Rahim’s parole was granted after a careful review of his medical condition and adherence to legal protocols. While the detailed order has not yet been made public, the administration maintains that parole applications are evaluated objectively, including consideration of health, behaviour, and security concerns.
During this parole, Ram Rahim is restricted from participating in election campaigning or making public speeches, in line with bail conditions and legal safeguards. His stay is limited to the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa, where he is under watchful supervision. This parole follows a 21-day furlough granted in April, reflecting a pattern of relief that critics argue compromises the spirit of justice for victims.
Background on Convictions, Controversies, and Impact
Ram Rahim’s conviction by a special CBI court for the sexual assault of two female disciples led to a landmark ruling in August 2017. His criminal records include multiple serious cases, such as convictions related to the murder of a journalist and other violent incidents linked to his sect.
The immediate aftermath of his conviction saw violent protests causing about 40 deaths across Haryana and Punjab, highlighting the Dera’s significant socio-political influence. Paroles granted during election seasons and major religious events have come under scrutiny for potentially leveraging legal relief for political gain, raising ethical and judicial questions that persist to this day.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The frequent granting of parole to Gurmeet Ram Rahim raises complex questions about the interplay between humanitarian considerations, legal procedures, and the imperatives of justice and victim dignity. While medical and personal welfare grounds must not be ignored, it is equally vital to uphold uniform application of the law and avoid perceptions of undue privilege.
The Logical Indian calls for greater transparency in the parole process and a reaffirmation of the principle that justice should neither be delayed nor diluted, irrespective of a convict’s status.
