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 law is rape convict Ram Rahim, who has been granted repeated parole since his conviction in 2017. But what exactly does this law entail, and how does it apply to Ram Rahim’s case?
The Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, aims to provide temporary release to prisoners who have demonstrated good conduct during their incarceration. According to the law, convicted prisoners are eligible for release for a period of 10 weeks each year. This provision is intended to allow prisoners to reintegrate into society, spend time with their families, and receive medical treatment or attend to other personal matters.
Moreover, the law also caters to “hardcore convicted prisoners” who have served at least five years of their sentence, including two years spent under trial. These prisoners are entitled to receive regular parole, subject to certain conditions. The law defines “hardcore convicted prisoners” as those who have been convicted of serious crimes, such as murder, rape, or terrorism.
In Ram Rahim’s case, he has been incarcerated since 2017, when he was convicted of raping two of his female followers. As he has already served more than five years of his sentence, he qualifies for the provision of regular parole under the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022. This means that Ram Rahim is eligible for repeated parole, which has sparked controversy and raised questions about the effectiveness of the law.
Critics argue that the law is too lenient and allows convicted prisoners like Ram Rahim to take advantage of the system. They point out that Ram Rahim’s crimes were severe and that his repeated parole grants undermine the severity of his sentence. On the other hand, supporters of the law argue that it is designed to encourage good behavior among prisoners and facilitate their rehabilitation.
It is worth noting that the Haryana government has defended the law, stating that it is intended to promote rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners into society. The government argues that the law is not meant to be a “free pass” for convicted prisoners but rather a tool to help them become productive members of society upon their release.
However, the case of Ram Rahim highlights the complexities and challenges of implementing such a law. While the law may have been designed with good intentions, its application in practice raises concerns about justice and accountability. The fact that a convicted rapist like Ram Rahim can receive repeated parole grants has sparked outrage and frustration among many, who feel that the law is not doing enough to hold him accountable for his crimes.
In conclusion, the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, has been a subject of controversy, particularly in the case of rape convict Ram Rahim. While the law aims to promote rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners, its application in practice raises questions about justice and accountability. As the debate surrounding this law continues, it is essential to consider the implications of such legislation and ensure that it serves the interests of justice and society as a whole.
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