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 due to its controversial provisions. The Act allows convicted prisoners to be released for 10 weeks each year, which has raised concerns among many. One of the most notable beneficiaries of this law is rape convict Ram Rahim, who has been granted repeated parole since his conviction in 2017. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the Act and how it has enabled Ram Rahim to secure repeated parole.
The Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, aims to provide temporary release to prisoners who have demonstrated good conduct during their incarceration. The law allows convicted prisoners to be released for a period of 10 weeks each year, which can be extended or revoked depending on their behavior. However, what has raised eyebrows is the 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.
Ram Rahim, the self-styled godman and chief of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, was convicted of rape in 2017 and has been serving his sentence in a Rohtak jail. Since he has been in jail for over five years, he qualifies for the provision of regular parole under the new Act. This has enabled him to secure repeated parole, which has sparked outrage among many, including the victims and their families.
The fact that Ram Rahim has been granted repeated parole has raised questions about the effectiveness of the justice system and the intentions of the Haryana government. Many have criticized the government for introducing a law that seems to favor convicts like Ram Rahim, who have been found guilty of heinous crimes. The provision that allows hardcore convicted prisoners to receive regular parole has been particularly contentious, as it seems to undermine the severity of their crimes.
Moreover, the fact that Ram Rahim has been able to secure repeated parole despite being a high-profile convict has raised concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the justice system. It is worth noting that Ram Rahim has a history of violating parole conditions, which has led to his parole being revoked in the past. However, despite this, he has been able to secure repeated parole, which has sparked outrage among many.
The Haryana government has defended the new Act, stating that it aims to provide an opportunity for convicts to reform and reintegrate into society. However, critics argue that the law is too lenient and favors convicts like Ram Rahim, who have been found guilty of serious crimes. The government has also been accused of introducing the law to appease Ram Rahim’s followers, who are a significant vote bank in the state.
In conclusion, the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, has been controversial due to its provisions that allow convicted prisoners to be released for 10 weeks each year. The fact that Ram Rahim has been able to secure repeated parole under this law has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the justice system and the intentions of the Haryana government. While the government has defended the law, critics argue that it is too lenient and favors convicts like Ram Rahim, who have been found guilty of serious crimes.
As the debate around the new Act continues, it is essential to consider the implications of such laws on the justice system and society as a whole. While the intention of providing an opportunity for convicts to reform and reintegrate into society is noble, it is crucial to ensure that such laws do not compromise the severity of punishments for serious crimes. The case of Ram Rahim is a stark reminder of the need for a balanced approach to justice, one that takes into account the rights of both the convicts and the victims.
About the Author
