Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the Dera Sacha Sauda chief and rape convict, has been granted a 21-day furlough from the Sunaria jail in Haryana. During his temporary release period, he will reside at the Dera ashram in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. The Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed a petition against his release and instructed the competent authority to consider his plea without bias. Singh had filed for the furlough in June and the court had previously directed the Haryana government to not grant him any more paroles without permission. He is currently serving a 20-year sentence for rape and was also convicted for murder in 2019 (later acquitted by HC).
Dera Sacha Sauda: Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's Furlough and Controversial Past
Background
The Dera Sacha Sauda is a religious organization headquartered in Sirsa, Haryana, India. It was founded by Shah Mastana Ji Maharaj in 1948 and has gained significant following over the years. The current chief of the Dera, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, has been at the center of multiple controversies.
Rape Conviction and Imprisonment
In 2017, Singh was convicted of raping two female followers. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison. In 2019, he was convicted of murder but was later acquitted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Furlough Grant
On June 17, 2023, the Punjab and Haryana High Court granted Singh a 21-day furlough from Sunaria jail in Haryana. The court dismissed a petition against his release and instructed the competent authority to consider his plea without bias. Singh will reside at the Dera ashram in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, during his furlough period.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Why was Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh granted furlough?
The court granted Singh furlough on humanitarian grounds. He has served a significant portion of his sentence and has been well-behaved in prison.
2. What restrictions does Singh face during his furlough?
Singh is not allowed to engage in any religious activities or meet his followers. He is required to report to the authorities at regular intervals.
3. Was Singh's furlough controversial?
Yes, there has been significant controversy surrounding Singh's release. Some critics have expressed concerns about his potential influence on his followers and the safety of the public.
4. What is the expected impact of Singh's furlough?
It is difficult to predict the exact impact of Singh's furlough. However, it is likely to generate attention and discussion about the Dera Sacha Sauda and its controversial leader.
5. What is the future of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh?
Singh is expected to serve the remainder of his 20-year sentence after his furlough period expires. His future beyond that is uncertain.
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