The Haryana government has once again granted a 40-day parole to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The Dera Sacha Sauda chief, currently serving a 20-year sentence for rape and murder, will likely leave Sunaria jail today or tomorrow. While officials cite standard prison rules for this release, the frequency of his leaves continues to spark national debate. This latest development adds another chapter to the controversial history of the Dera chief’s time outside prison walls.
A Pattern of Frequent Releases
This new 40-day parole follows a series of recent leaves granted to the Dera chief. In August 2025, authorities allowed him out for 40 days to celebrate his 58th birthday. Earlier that year, he received a 21-day furlough in April and a 30-day parole in January.
Critics often point to a curious coincidence between his releases and major political events. For instance, his January 2026 release comes just as the region prepares for the Delhi Assembly polls on February 5. This pattern is not new. In October 2024, the state granted him a 20-day parole mere days before the Haryana Assembly polls. Similarly, in early 2022, he received a furlough just two weeks before the Punjab Assembly elections.
The Legal and Political Controversy
The frequent granting of parole to a high-profile convict raises serious questions about the “rules-based” justice system. Law enforcement officials maintain that every prisoner has the right to seek parole after completing a specific duration of their sentence. However, the opposition and legal experts argue that the timing often suggests a “political quid pro quo.”
The Dera Sacha Sauda holds significant influence over a massive vote bank in Haryana, Punjab, and parts of Delhi. Political parties often eye the Dera’s support during tight elections. Whenever Ram Rahim leaves Sunaria jail, he typically stays at the Dera’s ashram in Bagpat, Uttar Pradesh. From there, he frequently holds virtual “Satsangs,” reaching millions of followers simultaneously.
The Human Impact
Beyond the political chess game, the victims’ families feel the weight of these frequent releases. Ram Rahim is a convict in the rape of two disciples and the murder of a journalist and a Dera manager. For the survivors, his recurring presence outside jail feels like a mockery of their long battle for justice.
A System Under Scrutiny
As Gurmeet Ram Rahim begins his latest 40-day parole, the scrutiny on the Haryana government intensifies. The balance between prisoner rights and the integrity of a criminal sentence is delicate. When a high-profile convict spends a significant portion of their “sentence” outside jail during election seasons, public trust in the judiciary faces a test.
India’s legal system must ensure that parole serves as a tool for rehabilitation, not as a political tool. For now, the “Messenger of God” is once again heading to his ashram, and the political corridors are watching closely.
Prerna Varshney is a journalist and social commentator with over five years of experience in health, gender, and policy reporting. Her work reflects a deep commitment to truth and empathy, simplifying complex issues for everyday readers.
