Parole Controversy, Repeated Release of Ram Rahim Sparks Public Outrage
Why in News:
The repeated grant of parole to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh—convicted of rape and murder—has raised serious concerns over the misuse of legal provisions and preferential treatment of influential inmates.
Introduction:
In India, the law is said to treat all convicts equally. However, recent developments suggest that some convicts, especially those with influence and followers, may enjoy disproportionate leniency. The case of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who is serving a 20-year jail term for raping two of his disciples, has once again brought this issue to the forefront.
Key Issues and Background:
Ram Rahim has been granted a 40-day parole ahead of his birthday on August 15, which coincides with Independence Day. This comes after he was already granted a 21-day furlough in April and a 30-day parole in January this year. By the time he returns to Rohtak’s Sunaria Jail in mid-September, he will have been out of prison for nearly three months in 2025 alone.
Besides the rape conviction, he was also sentenced to life imprisonment by a CBI court in 2019 in the Ram Chander Chhatrapati murder case, and his acquittal in the Ranjit Singh murder case is under challenge by the CBI.
Specific Impacts or Effects:
The frequent and extended paroles have sparked public and political outrage, with many alleging that Ram Rahim’s release is often timed conveniently around elections. His temporary releases are seen as politically motivated, fueling accusations of electoral influence and manipulation of followers.
The Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, was designed to reward good behaviour, but also places strict limits on parole or furlough for “hard-core” convicts. Yet, it appears the authorities do not classify Ram Rahim under this category, despite the gravity of his crimes.
Challenges and the Way Forward:
This situation reveals a significant gap in the implementation of parole policies. The Kerala High Court recently dismissed a plea by a murder convict’s wife for emergency leave to attend a ceremony, stating that such privileges cannot be extended indefinitely once granted for critical occasions like childbirth.
Such judgments highlight the need for consistency and fairness in parole and furlough decisions. The system should not favour those with social or political clout while denying relief to equally, or more, deserving individuals.
Conclusion:
The Ram Rahim case underscores the urgent need for transparent, consistent, and accountable parole policies. Parole must not become a tool of political convenience or a reward for influence. If authorities fail to act impartially, it risks eroding public trust in the justice system and empowering convicts with resources to manipulate the law.
5 Questions and Answers:
Q1. Who is Ram Rahim and what are his convictions?
A1. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is the head of Dera Sacha Sauda, convicted for raping two of his disciples and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He also received life imprisonment in a murder case.
Q2. Why is Ram Rahim’s parole controversial?
A2. He has been granted parole multiple times, often around elections or significant dates, despite being a convict in heinous crimes, raising concerns of political favoritism.
Q3. What law governs parole in Haryana?
A3. The Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, which restricts parole for “hard-core convicts.”
Q4. Has the judiciary responded to similar cases?
A4. Yes, the Kerala High Court recently denied parole to a murder convict for a family ceremony, stressing such leaves shouldn’t be extended repeatedly.
Q5. What needs to be done to prevent misuse of parole?
A5. There must be uniform application of parole rules, greater judicial oversight, and clear classification of convicts to avoid biased or politically driven decisions.
