Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh walked out of Haryana’s Sunaria jail on Monday after being granted a 40-day parole, once again drawing attention to the frequency of his temporary releases and the controversy surrounding.
Singh is serving a 20-year sentence after being convicted in 2017 for raping two of his disciples. This latest release marks the 15th time he has stepped out of prison since his conviction. According to Dera spokesperson and advocate Jitender Khurana, Singh will spend the parole period at the sect’s headquarters in Sirsa. The decision has reignited debate over how often parole is being granted in cases involving serious criminal convictions.
A Pattern of Frequent Paroles and Furloughs
The Gurmeet Ram Rahim parole has followed a recurring pattern over the years. He was last released on a 40-day parole in August 2025. Earlier, Singh was granted a 30-day parole in January 2025 ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections and a 21-day furlough in April 2025. In October 2024, he walked out on a 20-day parole just days before the Haryana Assembly polls.
A similar situation was seen in February 2022, when he was granted a three-week furlough shortly before the Punjab Assembly elections. On several occasions, Singh stayed at the Dera’s ashram in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district, while this time he will remain in Sirsa. Each instance of Gurmeet Ram Rahim parole has intensified scrutiny over the timing of such decisions.
Other Convictions and Court Relief
Apart from the rape case, Singh and three others were convicted in 2019 for the murder of a journalist more than 16 years ago. In May 2024, however, the Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitted Singh and four co-accused in the 2002 murder of former Dera manager Ranjit Singh. The court cited “tainted and sketchy” investigations while overturning a special CBI court order that had sentenced them to life imprisonment.
Criticism and Legal Debate
Sikh organisations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, have repeatedly criticised the Gurmeet Ram Rahim parole, arguing that frequent releases dilute the seriousness of convictions. Legal experts say that while parole is allowed under prison rules, repeated relief in high-profile cases raises questions about consistency and transparency in the justice system.
FAQs
Q: Why was Gurmeet Ram Rahim parole granted again?
A: Authorities granted the Gurmeet Ram Rahim parole under prison rules that allow temporary release after eligibility conditions are met.
Q: How many times has Gurmeet Ram Rahim parole been granted since 2017?
A: This is the 15th time the Gurmeet Ram Rahim parole or furlough has been granted since his conviction.
Q: Where will Singh stay during the parole period?
A: During the Gurmeet Ram Rahim parole, he will stay at the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa, Haryana.
Q: Why do religious bodies oppose repeated paroles?
A: They argue that frequent Gurmeet Ram Rahim parole decisions weaken public trust in the justice system.
