CHANDIGARH, Aug 5 : Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami has voiced strong criticism over the fresh parole granted to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, accusing the government of practicing discriminatory policies towards Sikh prisoners.
Dhami expressed deep concern over the repeated release of a convicted prisoner like Ram Rahim while several Sikh detainees, who have already completed their sentences, continue to remain incarcerated.
Speaking to reporters today, Dhami said the legal system must function equally for all citizens, regardless of their background.
He questioned the rationale behind the government’s decisions, asking why special provisions appear to be repeatedly made for one individual, but not for others who have fulfilled all legal obligations. According to him, this pattern reflects a serious inconsistency in how justice is applied.
The SGPC President revealed that he has personally met with many Sikh prisoners over time, who, despite spending decades in jail, have chosen not to file complaints or seek attention. Dhami remarked that these individuals remain silent not out of contentment, but out of dignity. He emphasized that this silence should not be mistaken for satisfaction or resignation and urged the authorities to acknowledge their rights without delay.
Calling the government’s actions unjust, Dhami warned that such double standards threaten the foundation of equal justice in the country. He demanded that the government immediately consider the release of Sikh detainees who have already completed their terms and adopt a consistent and transparent policy regarding parole and furlough.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim, currently serving a 20-year sentence for rape and murder convictions, has once again been granted parole, this time for 40 days. He was released from Rohtak’s Sunaria Jail and left for the Dera headquarters in Sirsa early Tuesday morning. This is the fourteenth time he has been granted temporary release in the form of either parole or furlough.
Ram Rahim had previously come out on April 9, 2025, for a 21-day furlough, during which he stayed at the Sirsa compound and took part in religious celebrations, including the foundation day of the Dera. His repeated temporary releases have sparked criticism from civil society and religious bodies, who argue that such privileges undermine the seriousness of his criminal convictions.
Dhami’s remarks reflect growing frustration among Sikh institutions and communities who feel ignored by the current legal and political framework. The SGPC President stated that justice cannot be partial or selective. If the system bends its rules for one, it must do so for all. He reiterated that the law must not discriminate between individuals based on political or social influence.
As of now, no official response has been issued by the state or central government regarding the SGPC’s concerns. However, the debate surrounding Ram Rahim’s repeated parole continues to intensify, raising broader questions about fairness, transparency, and equal treatment within India’s criminal justice system.
(UNI)
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