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 notable aspects of this law is its allowance for convicted prisoners to be released for a period of 10 weeks each year. Furthermore, the law also provides a provision for ‘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 sparked intense debate and criticism, particularly in the case of rape convict Ram Rahim, who has been in jail since 2017.
Ram Rahim, the disgraced spiritual 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 term in Rohtak’s Sunaria Jail. Despite his conviction and imprisonment, Ram Rahim has been granted parole on multiple occasions, thanks to the Haryana government’s new law. This has raised concerns among many, who question the wisdom of granting parole to a convicted rapist, especially one who has shown no remorse for his actions.
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 imprisonment. The law allows prisoners to be released for a period of 10 weeks each year, provided they meet certain criteria, such as good conduct and a minimum period of imprisonment. However, the law also provides a provision for ‘hardcore convicted prisoners’ who have served at least five years of their sentence, including two years under trial, to receive regular parole. This provision is intended to provide a chance for rehabilitation and reintegration into society for prisoners who have served a significant portion of their sentence.
However, the application of this provision in Ram Rahim’s case has raised eyebrows. Despite being a convicted rapist, Ram Rahim has been granted parole on multiple occasions, citing his good behavior and completion of five years of his sentence. This has sparked outrage among many, who argue that a convicted rapist should not be granted parole, regardless of his behavior in prison. The fact that Ram Rahim has been able to take advantage of the Haryana government’s law to secure repeated parole has raised questions about the efficacy and fairness of the legislation.
One of the main concerns surrounding Ram Rahim’s parole is the potential risk he poses to society. As a convicted rapist, Ram Rahim has demonstrated a clear disregard for the law and a lack of respect for women’s rights and dignity. Granting him parole could potentially put other women at risk, particularly those who may be vulnerable to his influence and manipulation. Furthermore, Ram Rahim’s parole could also undermine the confidence of victims and survivors of sexual violence, who may feel that the justice system is not taking their experiences seriously.
Another concern is the potential for Ram Rahim to use his parole to exert influence and control over his followers. As the leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, Ram Rahim has a significant following, and his parole could potentially allow him to reassert his influence and control over his devotees. This could have serious implications for law and order, particularly in areas where Ram Rahim’s followers are concentrated.
The Haryana government’s decision to grant Ram Rahim parole has also been criticized for being politically motivated. Ram Rahim’s followers are a significant vote bank in Haryana, and the government’s decision to grant him parole may be seen as an attempt to appease this constituency. This has raised concerns about the politicization of the justice system and the potential for political interference in the administration of justice.
In conclusion, the Haryana government’s Act has helped rape convict Ram Rahim get repeated parole, sparking intense debate and criticism. While the law was enacted with the intention of providing relief to prisoners who have demonstrated good behavior, its application in Ram Rahim’s case has raised serious concerns about the potential risks he poses to society. The fact that Ram Rahim has been able to take advantage of the law to secure repeated parole has raised questions about the efficacy and fairness of the legislation, and has sparked outrage among many who argue that a convicted rapist should not be granted parole.
About the Author
