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. One notable beneficiary of this Act is rape convict Ram Rahim, who has been serving his sentence since 2017. The law has been criticized for its leniency towards convicted prisoners, and its implications on the justice system.
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 respite to prisoners who have demonstrated good behavior during their incarceration. However, the law also has a provision that allows ‘hardcore convicted prisoners’ who have served at least five years of their sentence, including two years under trial, to receive regular parole. This provision is where Ram Rahim, the rape convict, comes into the picture.
As Ram Rahim has been in jail since 2017, he qualifies for this provision. The fact that he is not considered a ‘hardcore criminal’ under the law has raised eyebrows, given his conviction for rape. The law’s definition of a ‘hardcore criminal’ is someone who has been convicted of an offense that carries a sentence of life imprisonment or death. While Ram Rahim’s conviction for rape carries a sentence of life imprisonment, the law does not consider him a ‘hardcore criminal’ due to a technicality.
The implications of this law are far-reaching, and its provisions have been criticized for being too lenient. The fact that convicted prisoners can be released on parole for 10 weeks each year raises concerns about public safety. Moreover, the provision that allows ‘hardcore convicted prisoners’ to receive regular parole has been criticized for being too soft on serious offenders. The case of Ram Rahim is a prime example of how this law can be exploited by convicted prisoners who have been found guilty of heinous crimes.
The Haryana government’s decision to introduce this law has been questioned by many, who argue that it sends the wrong message to would-be offenders. The fact that a convicted rapist like Ram Rahim can qualify for parole under this law is a slap in the face for the victims of such crimes. The law’s provisions have also been criticized for being too focused on the rights of prisoners, while ignoring the rights of victims and their families.
The issue of parole for convicted prisoners is a complex one, and it requires a delicate balance between the rights of prisoners and the needs of society. While it is true that prisoners have the right to be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, it is equally important to ensure that public safety is not compromised. The Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, seems to have tilted the balance in favor of prisoners, which is a cause for concern.
In conclusion, the Haryana government’s Act has helped rape convict Ram Rahim get repeated parole, which has raised concerns about the law’s provisions and its implications on the justice system. The fact that a convicted rapist can qualify for parole under this law is a worrying trend, and it highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to the issue of parole for convicted prisoners. The government must ensure that the rights of prisoners are balanced with the needs of society, and that public safety is not compromised.
As the debate around this law continues, it is essential to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders, including victims, prisoners, and law enforcement agencies. The government must also ensure that the law is not exploited by convicted prisoners who have been found guilty of heinous crimes. The case of Ram Rahim is a stark reminder of the need for a more robust and balanced approach to the issue of parole for convicted prisoners.
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