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. One of the most striking aspects of this law is its allowance for convicted prisoners to be released on parole for a significant period. According to the Act, prisoners can be released for 10 weeks each year, provided they have demonstrated good conduct during their incarceration. Moreover, the law also provides for the release of “hardcore convicted prisoners” who have served at least five years of their sentence, including two years under trial.
One individual who has been benefiting from this provision is rape convict Ram Rahim, the erstwhile head of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect. Ram Rahim has been serving his sentence in a Haryana jail since 2017, after being convicted of raping two of his female followers. Despite his conviction, Ram Rahim has been able to secure repeated parole releases, thanks to the Haryana government’s new law. This has raised eyebrows among many, who question how a convicted rapist can be deemed fit for parole, let alone repeated parole releases.
The Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, is a legislation aimed at providing relief to prisoners who have demonstrated good conduct during their incarceration. The law allows for the temporary release of prisoners who have served a significant portion of their sentence, with the aim of rehabilitating them and facilitating their reintegration into society. However, the law’s provisions have been criticized for being overly broad and potentially abusive.
One of the most contentious aspects of the law is its definition of “hardcore convicted prisoners.” According to the Act, a hardcore convicted prisoner is one who has been convicted of a serious offense, such as murder, rape, or terrorism. However, the law also provides that such prisoners can be released on parole if they have served at least five years of their sentence, including two years under trial. This provision has been criticized for being too lenient, particularly in cases where the prisoner has been convicted of a heinous offense like rape.
In the case of Ram Rahim, his conviction for rape in 2017 would normally have classified him as a hardcore convicted prisoner. However, thanks to the Haryana government’s new law, he has been able to secure repeated parole releases. This has raised concerns among many, who question how a convicted rapist can be deemed fit for parole, let alone repeated parole releases.
The issue is further complicated by the fact that Ram Rahim’s parole releases have been facilitated by the Haryana government’s law, despite his history of controversial behavior. During his previous parole releases, Ram Rahim has been known to engage in public activities, including attending public events and interacting with his followers. This has raised concerns among many, who question whether Ram Rahim’s parole releases are truly in the interests of justice.
The Haryana government’s law has also been criticized for its potential to undermine the rule of law. By providing for the release of hardcore convicted prisoners on parole, the law may be seen as sending a message that serious offenses like rape can be taken lightly. This can have serious consequences for victims of crime, who may feel that justice is not being served.
In conclusion, the Haryana government’s Act has helped rape convict Ram Rahim get repeated parole, thanks to its provisions allowing for the release of hardcore convicted prisoners who have served at least five years of their sentence. While the law’s intentions may be noble, its provisions have been criticized for being overly broad and potentially abusive. The case of Ram Rahim highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to prisoner rehabilitation, one that takes into account the seriousness of the offense and the potential risks to public safety.
As the debate around the Haryana government’s law continues, it is essential to consider the potential consequences of such legislation. The release of hardcore convicted prisoners on parole can have serious implications for public safety, particularly in cases where the prisoner has been convicted of a heinous offense like rape. It is crucial that the government takes a more thoughtful approach to prisoner rehabilitation, one that prioritizes justice and public safety above all else.
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