The charismatic head of Dera Sacha Sauda, Gurmeet Ram Rahim, has been at the center of Punjab and Haryana High Court discussions due to the controversy surrounding his parole eligibility. The court has mandated that no parole shall be granted to Ram Rahim without prior judicial inquiry. Additionally, it has sought a comprehensive list of similar parole grants to others.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) contested Ram Rahim's parole in the Punjab-Haryana High Court, leading to an order thatthe Haryana government must seek permission from the High Court before any future paroles for the Dera Sacha Sauda chief. The court also demanded a record of any other individuals who have been granted parole as Ram Rahim was.
Ram Rahim recently received a 50-day parole, following a 21-day release in November 2023. He is currently serving a 20-year sentence in Rohtak's Sunaria Jail.
Video Message Issued After Receiving Parole
Following his release on parole, Ram Rahim traveled to his ashram in Barnala, Baghpat, UP, where he released a video addressing his followers. He invited them to celebrate joyously wherever they were, underscoring that a visit to UP was unnecessary. Emphasizing the ongoing celebration of Lord Rama's festival, he urged all to partake as children of Rama, while the country jubilantly observed Diwali.
The Convictions That Led to Ram Rahim's Sentence
As per the SGPC's petition filed in February 2023, it was evident from the Divisional Commissioner's order issued that month, that Ram Rahim was granted temporary release in a case where he was found guilty - a detail that lacked reference. He was convicted in two separate murder cases and sentenced to life imprisonment on January 17, 2019, and October 18, 2021. Ram Rahim is also serving a 20-year imprisonment for raping two female followers at his Sirsa ashram. A special CBI court in Panchkula found him guilty in August 2017.
Understanding the Parole Process
Parole is the temporary release from jail granted to a convict before their sentence is completed, conditional on good behavior. To be considered for parole, a prisoner must present a valid reason for their release and the decision to grant parole rests with the respective state government.
