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 justice. This law allows convicted prisoners to be released for 10 weeks each year, and also enables ‘hardcore convicted prisoners’ who have served at least five years of their sentence, including two years under trial, to receive regular parole. One notable beneficiary of this provision is rape convict Ram Rahim, who has been in jail since 2017 and qualifies for this provision.
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 in prison, and his case sent shockwaves across the country. However, despite his conviction and the severity of his crime, Ram Rahim has been able to secure repeated paroles, thanks to the Haryana government’s new law. This has raised concerns among many, who feel that the law is too lenient and fails to prioritize justice for the victims.
The Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, is intended to provide relief to prisoners who have demonstrated good behavior while in jail. The law allows prisoners to be released for a period of 10 weeks each year, which can be extended if they continue to exhibit good conduct. Additionally, the law provides for the release of ‘hardcore convicted prisoners’ who have served at least five years of their sentence, including two years under trial. This provision is meant to provide an opportunity for prisoners to reintegrate into society and start anew.
However, critics argue that the law is too broad and fails to take into account the severity of the crimes committed by prisoners like Ram Rahim. They point out that Ram Rahim’s conviction for rape is a serious offense, and that his repeated paroles undermine the justice system and fail to provide adequate closure for his victims. Moreover, the fact that Ram Rahim has been able to secure repeated paroles despite his conviction raises questions about the effectiveness of the law and the priorities of the Haryana government.
The Haryana government’s decision to introduce this law has been seen by many as a move to appease certain sections of society, rather than a genuine attempt to reform the prison system. The law has been criticized for being too lenient and for failing to prioritize the rights and interests of victims. Moreover, the fact that Ram Rahim has been able to benefit from this law despite his conviction for a serious crime has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to justice and accountability.
The issue of parole and temporary release is a complex one, and there are valid arguments on both sides. On the one hand, providing prisoners with opportunities for temporary release can help to reduce recidivism rates and promote rehabilitation. On the other hand, the release of prisoners who have committed serious crimes can undermine the justice system and fail to provide adequate closure for victims.
In the case of Ram Rahim, the issue is particularly sensitive, given the severity of his crime and the impact it has had on his victims. While the Haryana government’s law may have been intended to provide relief to prisoners who have demonstrated good behavior, it is clear that it has had unintended consequences. The repeated paroles granted to Ram Rahim have raised questions about the government’s commitment to justice and accountability, and have undermined the confidence of many in the justice system.
In conclusion, the Haryana government’s Act has helped rape convict Ram Rahim get repeated parole, raising concerns about the state’s approach to justice. While the law may have been intended to provide relief to prisoners who have demonstrated good behavior, it is clear that it has had unintended consequences. The case of Ram Rahim highlights the need for a more nuanced and balanced approach to justice, one that takes into account the severity of crimes committed and the rights and interests of victims. Ultimately, the Haryana government must reconsider its approach to parole and temporary release, and ensure that the justice system prioritizes accountability and closure for victims.
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