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 questions about the state’s approach to dealing with convicted prisoners. According to reports, this Act has enabled rape convict Ram Rahim to secure repeated parole, leaving many to wonder about the implications of this law.
At the heart of the controversy is the provision that allows convicted prisoners to be released for 10 weeks each year. Additionally, 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. As Ram Rahim has been incarcerated since 2017, he meets the criteria for this provision, making him eligible for repeated parole.
The Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, is intended to provide relief to prisoners who have demonstrated good behavior during their incarceration. The idea behind this law is to offer a chance for prisoners to reintegrate into society, while also providing an opportunity for them to spend time with their families and engage in productive activities. However, the fact that a rape convict like Ram Rahim is benefiting from this provision has raised concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of the law.
Ram Rahim, the self-proclaimed spiritual leader, was convicted of rape in 2017 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. His conviction and subsequent imprisonment sparked widespread protests and violence in Haryana, resulting in the loss of several lives. Given his history and the severity of his crime, many are questioning why he is being granted repeated parole.
The Haryana government’s decision to introduce this legislation has been met with criticism from various quarters. Opponents argue that the law is too lenient and fails to take into account the severity of the crimes committed by prisoners like Ram Rahim. They contend that such laws undermine the justice system and send the wrong message to society, potentially emboldening criminals and undermining the rule of law.
On the other hand, supporters of the law argue that it is designed to promote rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners into society. They claim that by providing opportunities for prisoners to engage in productive activities and spend time with their families, the law helps to reduce recidivism rates and promote social cohesion.
However, in the case of Ram Rahim, it is difficult to see how repeated parole serves the interests of justice or society. As a rape convict, his crimes are of a serious nature, and his imprisonment is intended to reflect the severity of his actions. By granting him repeated parole, the Haryana government is essentially allowing him to spend time outside of prison, despite his conviction and the harm he has caused to his victims.
The implications of this law are far-reaching and have significant consequences for the justice system and society as a whole. If convicted prisoners like Ram Rahim are able to secure repeated parole, it undermines the authority of the justice system and raises questions about the effectiveness of the law. It also sends a message that certain individuals are above the law and can escape punishment, despite their crimes.
In conclusion, the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the state’s approach to dealing with convicted prisoners. The fact that rape convict Ram Rahim is benefiting from this provision has highlighted the need for a more nuanced and effective approach to justice. As the debate surrounding this law continues, it is essential to consider the implications of such legislation and ensure that the justice system is fair, effective, and serves the interests of society as a whole.
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