Baba Ram Rahim Granted Parole Again, Followers Celebrate with Fervour

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Baba Ram Rahim has once again been granted parole, this time for 40 days. He arrived in Sirsa from Sunaria Jail (Rohtak) around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, travelling in a two-car convoy. His release has sparked enthusiasm among his followers, as August—his birth month—is traditionally marked by various welfare activities and celebrations.

Dera Chief Released on Parole, Escorted by Key Members

Dera Sacha Sauda chairman Dan Singh and Honeypreet Insan, along with Dr. RK Nain and Sharandeep Singh Situ, arrived at Sunaria Jail in Rohtak to receive Baba Ram Rahim. The four-member team had travelled from Sirsa and returned with him after his 40-day parole was granted.

Preparations Begin for Ram Rahim’s Birthday Celebrations After Rakshabandhan

Baba Ram Rahim’s birthday falls on August 15, and according to sources, celebrations at the Dera will begin after Rakshabandhan. In previous years, Ram Rahim has often been granted parole around major festivals or his birthday, continuing the pattern this year as well.

Baba Ram Rahim Released on Parole for the 14th Time Since 2017

Parole has become a recurring event for Dera Sacha Sauda chief Baba Ram Rahim, who has now been released for the fourteenth time since his imprisonment in 2017. His first parole was granted on April 29, 2022, coinciding with the Foundation Day of Dera Sacha Sauda, allowing him a 21-day release. Earlier in February, ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, he was granted a 30-day parole.

Mixed Reactions to Baba Ram Rahim’s Parole

The news of Baba Ram Rahim’s parole has sparked a range of responses. His supporters regard him as a spiritual leader and humanitarian, praising his welfare efforts and viewing his release as a positive development. On the other hand, critics—particularly those involved in or affected by ongoing legal cases—have expressed concern over his repeated releases. As a result, public opinion remains sharply divided.

Difference Between Furlough and Parole

Parole is a temporary release granted to a prisoner under specific circumstances—such as attending to family matters, health issues, or religious events. Importantly, the prison sentence continues to run during parole, meaning it does not extend the overall term.

Furlough, on the other hand, is a form of periodic leave granted as a reward for good behavior. Unlike parole, furlough is considered part of the convict’s right and is intended for short breaks from prison life. However, the sentence is effectively paused during furlough, and the time spent outside is not counted as part of the sentence.

Baba Ram Rahim has been released several times under both parole and furlough provisions.

Parole Before Elections: Coincidence or Strategy?

The timing of Baba Ram Rahim’s parole—often around election periods—has sparked ongoing speculation. Some critics question whether his release is strategically timed to influence voters, given his considerable following.

However, former jail superintendent Sunil Sangwan dismisses this idea as a misconception. He points out that states like Haryana and its neighbors conduct elections frequently—almost every three months—which makes it impractical to link every parole to an electoral motive. According to Sangwan, such assumptions ignore the legal process and routine parole procedures followed in prisons.