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 been making headlines for its provisions that allow convicted prisoners to be released on parole for a significant period. One of the most notable beneficiaries of this Act is none other than the rape convict and self-proclaimed spiritual leader, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Ram Rahim, who has been serving his sentence in a Rohtak jail since 2017, has been granted repeated parole, thanks to the provisions of this Act.
The Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, allows convicted prisoners to be released for 10 weeks each year. This provision is intended to provide prisoners with an opportunity to reintegrate into society, spend time with their families, and seek employment or education. However, what has raised eyebrows is the fact that 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, despite being a rape convict.
Ram Rahim’s case has been a highly publicized one, with the self-proclaimed spiritual leader being convicted of raping two of his female followers in 2017. The conviction led to widespread violence and unrest in the state of Haryana, with his followers clashing with the police and security forces. Despite the seriousness of the charges against him, Ram Rahim has been granted repeated parole, with his most recent stint being in February 2023. This has raised concerns among many, who question the rationale behind granting parole to a convicted rapist.
The Haryana government’s decision to grant parole to Ram Rahim has been criticized by many, who argue that it sends the wrong message to society. The fact that a convicted rapist is being allowed to walk free, even if temporarily, undermines the efforts of the justice system to punish those who commit heinous crimes. Moreover, it also raises concerns about the safety and well-being of the victims and their families, who may feel threatened or intimidated by Ram Rahim’s release.
The provisions of the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, have also been questioned by many experts, who argue that they are too lenient and may be misused by prisoners who do not deserve parole. The fact that the law allows ‘hardcore convicted prisoners’ to receive regular parole, despite the seriousness of their crimes, has been particularly criticized. Many argue that such provisions may be used to grant favors to certain prisoners, rather than being based on genuine considerations of rehabilitation or reintegration into society.
The case of Ram Rahim highlights the need for a more nuanced and balanced approach to granting parole to convicted prisoners. While the idea of providing prisoners with an opportunity to reintegrate into society is a noble one, it must be balanced against the need to ensure justice and protect the rights of victims. The Haryana government must revisit the provisions of the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, and ensure that they are not being misused to grant favors to certain prisoners.
In conclusion, the Haryana government’s Act has helped rape convict Ram Rahim get repeated parole, raising concerns about the justice system and the safety of victims. The provisions of the Act, particularly those related to ‘hardcore convicted prisoners’, need to be revisited and revised to ensure that they are not being misused. The case of Ram Rahim highlights the need for a more balanced approach to granting parole, one that takes into account the seriousness of the crimes committed and the need to protect the rights of victims.
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