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 Act allows convicted prisoners to be released for 10 weeks each year, providing them with a temporary reprieve from their sentences. Furthermore, the law also permits ‘hardcore convicted prisoners’ who have served at least five years of their sentence, including two years under trial, to receive regular parole. Unfortunately, this provision has come to the aid of a rather infamous individual – rape convict Ram Rahim.
Ram Rahim, the disgraced spiritual leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, has been serving his sentence in a Rohtak jail since 2017. His conviction for raping two of his female followers led to widespread outrage and protests across the country. Despite his heinous crimes, Ram Rahim has been able to exploit the loopholes in the Haryana government’s new Act to secure repeated parole. The fact that he has been in jail for over five years, including the time spent under trial, makes him eligible for this provision.
The Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, aims to provide respite to prisoners who have demonstrated good behavior during their incarceration. However, in Ram Rahim’s case, his repeated parole releases have raised questions about the efficacy and fairness of this law. Many have expressed concerns that this legislation may be misused by convicted prisoners, particularly those with influential connections or a history of violent crimes.
The Act’s provision for ‘hardcore convicted prisoners’ is particularly contentious. While the intention behind this provision may be to provide an opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society, it is essential to consider the nature and severity of the crimes committed by these prisoners. In Ram Rahim’s case, his crimes were of a heinous and violent nature, causing irreparable harm to his victims. The fact that he is now eligible for regular parole releases has sparked outrage and disappointment among many, who feel that justice has not been served.
Moreover, the Haryana government’s decision to introduce this legislation has been criticized by many, who argue that it may be seen as a move to appease certain sections of society or to gain political mileage. The fact that Ram Rahim’s sect, the Dera Sacha Sauda, has a significant following in Haryana and other parts of the country, has led to speculation about the government’s motives behind this legislation.
The implications of this Act are far-reaching and have significant consequences for the justice system in India. If convicted prisoners like Ram Rahim are able to secure repeated parole releases, it may undermine the public’s faith in the justice system and create a sense of impunity among those who have committed crimes. Furthermore, it may also have a detrimental impact on the victims of these crimes, who may feel that justice has not been served and that their perpetrators are being let off lightly.
In conclusion, the Haryana government’s Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, has raised more questions than answers. While the intention behind this legislation may be to provide respite to prisoners and facilitate their rehabilitation, it is essential to consider the potential consequences and ensure that justice is served. In Ram Rahim’s case, his repeated parole releases have sparked outrage and controversy, highlighting the need for a more nuanced and balanced approach to prison reform and parole legislation.
As the debate surrounding this Act continues, it is essential to remember that the justice system should prioritize the rights and interests of victims, while also ensuring that those who have committed crimes are held accountable for their actions. The Haryana government must review and revise this legislation to ensure that it is fair, effective, and just, and that it does not provide a loophole for convicted prisoners like Ram Rahim to exploit.
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