Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to leave Rohtak jail with heightened security as controversy over frequent paroles persists
Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been granted a 40-day parole, marking his 15th release from incarceration since his conviction in 2017. The controversial religious leader is expected to be released from Sunaria Jail in Rohtak either Sunday evening or Monday morning and will be transported to the Sirsa Dera under heightened police security.
A Pattern of Frequent Releases
The grant of parole to Ram Rahim represents yet another instance in an ongoing pattern of releases that has drawn significant scrutiny. Since his imprisonment in 2017, the 60-year-old has been released on parole or furlough 14 times previously. In 2025 alone, he received three separate releases: two 21-day furloughs in February and April, and a 40-day parole in August.
The latest parole, like his previous release in August, will be spent at the Sirsa Dera, the headquarters of his religious sect located in Haryana’s Sirsa district.
Legal Framework and Sentence Details
Ram Rahim is serving his sentence following his conviction in a sexual assault case involving a female follower. The distinction between parole and furlough has become a point of interest in his case. While furlough periods are counted toward the completion of his sentence, parole time is not included in sentence calculations, meaning his actual time served continues to accumulate differently than the time spent outside prison walls.
The parole and furlough process is typically initiated through court procedures after a prisoner demonstrates good behaviour and has served a substantial portion of their sentence.
Growing Opposition and Criticism
The frequent grants have not gone unnoticed by critics. Opposition political parties and social organizations have increasingly questioned the pattern of releases, arguing that granting parole so frequently to a convicted prisoner raises serious concerns about equal treatment under the law and potential preferential treatment.
“The process raises questions about the equal application of justice,” critics contend, suggesting that such frequent releases are uncommon for prisoners convicted of similar offenses.
Enhanced Security Measures
In response to the latest release, authorities have increased security around the jail premises. The transportation of Ram Rahim to the Sirsa Dera will be conducted under tight police security, reflecting ongoing concerns about maintaining order during his movements.
The decision comes at a time when discourse surrounding criminal justice and prison reform in India remains a subject of public debate, with this case drawing particular attention due to the prominence of the accused and the frequency of his releases.
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