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 controversial provisions. The law, which aims to provide temporary release to prisoners who have demonstrated good conduct, has been criticized for its potential to benefit high-profile convicts. One such convict who has been benefiting from this law is rape convict Ram Rahim, who has been granted repeated parole in recent times.
According to the Act, convicted prisoners are eligible for a temporary release of up to 10 weeks each year, provided they have demonstrated good conduct during their incarceration. However, the law also includes a 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. This provision has raised concerns among many, as it seems to create a loophole that can be exploited by high-profile convicts like Ram Rahim.
Ram Rahim, the self-proclaimed spiritual leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, was convicted of rape in 2017 and has been serving his sentence in a Haryana jail since then. Despite his conviction, Ram Rahim has been able to secure repeated parole, thanks to the provisions of the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022. The fact that he has been in jail since 2017 means that he qualifies for the provision that allows hardcore convicted prisoners to receive regular parole.
The granting of parole to Ram Rahim has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the fairness of the system. Critics argue that the law is being misused to benefit high-profile convicts, while ordinary prisoners are often denied parole despite their good conduct. The repeated parole granted to Ram Rahim has also raised concerns about the potential for him to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence in his ongoing cases.
The Haryana government has defended the law, stating that it is aimed at providing an opportunity for prisoners to reform and reintegrate into society. However, the opposition has criticized the government for introducing a law that seems to favor high-profile convicts. The Congress party has accused the government of being “soft on crime” and of introducing a law that is “tailor-made” for Ram Rahim.
The controversy surrounding the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, has also raised questions about the role of the judiciary in granting parole to convicts. While the law provides for the temporary release of prisoners, it is ultimately up to the courts to decide whether a convict is eligible for parole. In Ram Rahim’s case, the courts have granted him parole on multiple occasions, despite objections from the prosecution.
The repeated parole granted to Ram Rahim has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the parole system. The fact that a high-profile convict like Ram Rahim can secure repeated parole despite his conviction raises questions about the fairness and effectiveness of the system. There is a need for greater scrutiny of the parole system to ensure that it is not being misused to benefit high-profile convicts.
In conclusion, the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, has been criticized for its potential to benefit high-profile convicts like Ram Rahim. The law’s provisions, which allow hardcore convicted prisoners to receive regular parole, have raised concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of the system. The repeated parole granted to Ram Rahim has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the role of the judiciary and the government in granting him parole. As the controversy surrounding the law continues to unfold, it is essential to ensure that the parole system is transparent, accountable, and fair to all prisoners, regardless of their social status or influence.
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