Why is Gurmeet Ram Rahim Granted Another 40-Day Parole?
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Synopsis
Gurmeet Ram Rahim, the controversial leader of Dera Sacha Sauda, is once again granted a 40-day parole, marking his 15th release since his conviction in 2017. This decision has ignited criticism from various political quarters and has raised questions about the legal and ethical implications of his repeated temporary releases.
Key Takeaways
- Gurmeet Ram Rahim has been granted a 40-day parole, marking his 15th release since conviction.
- The Dera Sacha Sauda leader has faced serious charges including rape and murder.
- Public criticism has grown regarding the implications of his repeated releases.
- The Haryana government cites good conduct as a basis for granting parole.
- The organization has a significant following across multiple states in India.
Rohtak, Jan 4 (NationPress) Gurmeet Ram Rahim, the leader of Dera Sacha Sauda, is currently incarcerated in Sunaria Jail, located in Haryana's Rohtak, serving sentences for the rape of two female followers and the murder of a journalist. He has been granted yet another 40-day parole.
This marks the latest in a series of temporary releases for Ram Rahim, following a 40-day parole in August of last year, a 30-day parole in January, a 21-day furlough in April, and several other releases coinciding with the Delhi Assembly elections.
With this new 40-day parole, Ram Rahim will exit jail for the 15th time since his conviction.
During his previous releases, including the 21-day and 40-day paroles, Ram Rahim resided at the Sirsa Dera (ashram). He is expected to return there after his latest release.
A CBI court sentenced Ram Rahim to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for each of the two rape cases involving his female followers, culminating in a total sentence of 20 years.
Furthermore, the CBI court convicted and sentenced him for the murder of journalist Chhatrapati, along with the murder of Dera manager Ranjit Singh.
In 2019, Ram Rahim, alongside three others, was found guilty of the murder of journalist Chhatrapati, a crime that occurred over 16 years prior.
Since his conviction in 2017, Ram Rahim has been released from prison on 14 occasions. On most of these instances, he stayed at the Dera’s ashram in Uttar Pradesh's Bagpat district.
The Dera Sacha Sauda, headquartered in Sirsa, boasts a substantial following across Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and several other states. In Haryana, the organization holds significant sway in districts like Sirsa, Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, and Hisar.
The repeated granting of parole to Ram Rahim has sparked criticism from various factions, with several political parties challenging the Haryana government on this issue.
Journalist Chhatrapati's son, Anshul, has voiced objections, asserting that Ram Rahim is not an ordinary prisoner but a hardened criminal and questioning the rationale behind his frequent releases.
Nevertheless, the Haryana government has defended its decision in front of the High Court, presenting an affidavit that claims Ram Rahim does not fit the profile of a hardened criminal and is regarded as a prisoner of good conduct.
According to prison regulations, inmates exhibiting good behavior are eligible for parole or furlough. Under current provisions, a prisoner can be granted up to 90 days of parole within a year, which the state government has referenced to justify the recurrent paroles awarded to Ram Rahim.
Point of View
I acknowledge the complexity surrounding Gurmeet Ram Rahim's repeated paroles. While the legal framework permits such releases for good behavior, the broader social implications cannot be ignored. The outcry from victims' families and the public underscores a critical dialogue about justice and accountability in our society. It is imperative to balance legal rights with ethical responsibilities.
NationPress
07/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Gurmeet Ram Rahim been granted parole repeatedly?
Gurmeet Ram Rahim has been granted parole based on claims of good conduct and the provisions of prison regulations that allow inmates with such records to request temporary releases.
What crimes was Gurmeet Ram Rahim convicted for?
He was convicted for the rape of two female followers and the murder of journalist Chhatrapati, among other charges.
What is the public reaction to his paroles?
His repeated paroles have drawn significant criticism from various political parties and the families of victims, raising concerns about justice and accountability.
How does the Haryana government justify these paroles?
The Haryana government defends these paroles by citing prison regulations that allow for parole based on good conduct, claiming Ram Rahim does not fall under hardened criminal status.
What is the influence of Dera Sacha Sauda in India?
Dera Sacha Sauda has a large following in several states, particularly in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, and wields considerable influence in local politics.
