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 serving his sentence since 2017. The Act has been criticized for its leniency towards prisoners, particularly those convicted of heinous crimes like rape.
According to the Act, convicted prisoners are eligible for a temporary release of up to 10 weeks each year. Additionally, the law 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 for over five years, he qualifies for this provision. The fact that he has been granted repeated parole has sparked outrage and raised questions about the efficacy of the law.
The Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, was enacted with the intention of providing relief to prisoners who have demonstrated good behavior during their incarceration. The law aims to encourage prisoners to reform and reintegrate into society upon their release. However, critics argue that the law is too lenient and fails to distinguish between petty offenders and those convicted of serious crimes like rape and murder.
Ram Rahim, the self-styled godman and leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, was convicted of raping two of his female followers in 2017. He was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment and has been serving his sentence at the Sunaria jail in Rohtak, Haryana. Despite his conviction, Ram Rahim has been granted parole on multiple occasions, citing various reasons such as attending to his ailing mother or participating in religious events.
The repeated parole granted to Ram Rahim has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the government’s decision to release a convicted rapist back into society. The opposition parties have accused the Haryana government of being soft on Ram Rahim, citing his influence and following in the state. The fact that Ram Rahim has been able to secure repeated parole has also raised concerns about the safety and well-being of his victims and their families.
The Haryana government has defended the law, stating that it is designed to provide relief to prisoners who have demonstrated good behavior and are unlikely to commit further crimes. However, critics argue that the law fails to take into account the gravity of the crimes committed by prisoners like Ram Rahim. They argue that such prisoners should not be eligible for parole, given the severity of their crimes and the risk they pose to society.
The issue of parole for convicted prisoners is a complex one, and the Haryana government’s law has sparked a debate about the balance between rehabilitation and justice. While the intention behind the law may be to encourage prisoners to reform and reintegrate into society, it is essential to ensure that the law is not misused to grant favors to influential prisoners like Ram Rahim.
In conclusion, the Haryana government’s Act has helped rape convict Ram Rahim secure repeated parole, sparking outrage and criticism from various quarters. The law’s provisions, particularly those related to hardcore convicted prisoners, have been criticized for being too lenient. The case of Ram Rahim highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to parole, one that takes into account the gravity of the crimes committed and the risk posed to society. As the debate surrounding the law continues, it is essential to ensure that justice is served, and the rights of victims and their families are protected.
About the Author
