Punjab and Haryana High Court Asserts Authority Over Gurmeet Ram Rahim's Parole Requests

In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued strict directives to the Haryana government, asserting its jurisdiction over parole requests for Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The court's intervention comes amidst growing scrutiny and controversy surrounding the repeated grant of temporary release to the controversial figure.

The Bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji, unequivocally stated that the state of Haryana must seek prior permission from the court before considering any further parole applications from Ram Rahim. This directive will remain in effect until further notice, highlighting the court's determination to maintain oversight over the matter.

The court's decision was prompted by a petition filed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), challenging the order granting temporary release to Ram Rahim. The Bench expressed concern over the frequency of parole granted to him, particularly in light of his criminal convictions.

Referring to a chart detailing the parole and furlough granted to Ram Rahim, the Bench remarked on the "interesting reading" it provided, considering his background and legal history. Despite the pendency of the petition, the Haryana government continued to grant him parole on multiple occasions, raising questions about the rationale behind these decisions.

In response to the SGPC's petition, the Bench demanded transparency from the Haryana government, directing them to provide an affidavit detailing the criteria and process for granting parole to individuals with criminal antecedents, particularly those convicted in multiple cases.

The court's stance is clear: Ram Rahim must surrender himself on the specified date, March 10, and the state authorities are prohibited from considering his case for further parole without prior approval from the court. Furthermore, the Haryana government is required to submit a custody certificate confirming Ram Rahim's surrender.

This ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding accountability and transparency in matters of parole, especially concerning individuals with controversial backgrounds. As the legal battle continues, the court's intervention signals a significant step towards ensuring justice and adherence to legal procedures in cases involving high-profile figures like Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.