Haryana Govt’s Act Helps Rape Convict Ram Rahim Get Repeated Parole
The Haryana government’s recent legislation, the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, has sparked controversy and raised eyebrows across the nation. This law, which aims to provide temporary release to prisoners who have demonstrated good conduct, has been criticized for its leniency towards convicted prisoners, particularly those who have been found guilty of heinous crimes. One such case is that of rape convict Ram Rahim, who has been granted repeated parole under this new law.
The Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, allows convicted prisoners to be released for 10 weeks each year. The law also allows ‘hardcore convicted prisoners’ who have served at least five years of their sentence, including two years under trial, to receive regular parole. Since Ram Rahim has been in jail since 2017, he qualifies for this provision. The law’s intention is to provide an opportunity for prisoners to reintegrate into society, but in Ram Rahim’s case, it has raised questions about the efficacy of the justice system and the government’s priorities.
Ram Rahim, the self-proclaimed spiritual leader, was convicted of raping two of his female followers in 2017. He was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment and has been serving his term in Rohtak’s Sunaria jail. Despite his conviction, Ram Rahim has been granted parole multiple times, with his most recent release being in February 2023. This has sparked outrage among the public, with many questioning the government’s decision to grant parole to a convicted rapist.
The Haryana government’s decision to introduce this law has been criticized by many, who argue that it is too lenient and fails to consider the severity of the crimes committed by prisoners like Ram Rahim. The law’s provision allowing ‘hardcore convicted prisoners’ to receive regular parole has been particularly criticized, as it is seen as a way to circumvent the justice system and provide undue benefits to those who have been found guilty of heinous crimes.
The case of Ram Rahim is a prime example of how this law can be misused. Despite being convicted of a serious crime, Ram Rahim has been able to secure repeated parole, thanks to the Haryana government’s new law. This has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to justice and its willingness to prioritize the rights of victims over those of convicted prisoners.
The introduction of this law has also raised questions about the government’s priorities. At a time when the country is grappling with rising crime rates and a growing sense of insecurity, the government’s decision to introduce a law that provides leniency to convicted prisoners seems misplaced. Instead of focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration, the government should be prioritizing the safety and security of its citizens.
Furthermore, the law’s provision allowing prisoners to be released for 10 weeks each year has been criticized for being too generous. This provision can be misused by prisoners who have not demonstrated any significant rehabilitation or remorse for their crimes. In Ram Rahim’s case, his repeated parole releases have been seen as a way to allow him to maintain his influence and control over his followers, rather than a genuine attempt at rehabilitation.
In conclusion, the Haryana government’s Act has been criticized for its leniency towards convicted prisoners, particularly those who have been found guilty of heinous crimes like Ram Rahim. The law’s provision allowing ‘hardcore convicted prisoners’ to receive regular parole has been particularly criticized, as it is seen as a way to circumvent the justice system and provide undue benefits to those who have been found guilty of serious crimes. The government must reconsider this law and prioritize the safety and security of its citizens, rather than providing leniency to convicted prisoners.
About the Author
