Rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim has submitted a new request in the Punjab and Haryana High Court for a 21-day parole. In January, the Dera Sacha Sauda chief was given a 50-day parole for the seventh time in just 10 months.
In his petition, Ram Rahim stated that he requires parole to participate in an event organised by the Dera Sacha Sauda.
The high court accepted his petition and issued a notice to the Haryana government and the Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), requesting a response by July 2.
The high court raised concerns about the repeated parole granted to a rape convict serving a 20-year prison sentence on January 29. Following this, it instructed the Haryana government to seek its approval if the convict seeks parole again.
In response to a petition by the SGPC, the court also mandated the state government to provide information on the number of individuals granted parole under similar circumstances.
Dera followers, particularly those affiliated with Ram Rahim Singh, wield significant influence in Punjab's Malwa region. Their votes are considered pivotal in determining the outcome of parliamentary and legislative elections, as the Malwa region comprises 69 constituencies, representing over half of the Punjab assembly's 117 seats.
The followers of Dera, who are in the millions and have been relatively quiet since the imprisonment of Rahim Singh, are generally perceived as voting based on instructions from sect leaders.
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