Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh walked out of Haryana’s Sunaria jail in Rohtak again on Tuesday after being granted a 21-day furlough. He was released amid tight security and is expected to stay at the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa. This is reportedly his 17th temporary release since his conviction in 2017, bringing renewed attention to the repeated parole and furlough granted to the jailed sect chief.
Convicted in 2017 Rape Case
Ram Rahim was convicted by a special CBI court in Panchkula in August 2017 for raping two women disciples. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in each case, with the sentences ordered to run consecutively, resulting in a 20-year sentence. His conviction triggered widespread violence in parts of Haryana and Punjab. He was later convicted in other criminal cases as well.
17th Temporary Release Since 2020
Although reports describe the latest release as his 17th since his 2017 conviction, his first temporary releases began in 2020. Since then, he has repeatedly been granted parole or furlough for periods ranging from days to several weeks. The latest release follows a 30-day parole granted in May 2026, which ended in June. Earlier, in January 2026, he was granted a 40-day parole and stayed at the Sirsa Dera. He had also received a 40-day parole in August 2025. Earlier in January 2026, Ram Rahim was granted a 40-day parole and stayed at the Sirsa Dera. The repeated releases have attracted political and public scrutiny, particularly because of his large following across Haryana, Punjab and neighbouring states.
Latest Furlough and Sirsa Stay
During the latest 21-day period, Ram Rahim has been permitted to stay at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa. According to jail records cited in reports, he has spent more than 400 days outside prison through temporary releases since his incarceration. His repeated releases have drawn political and public scrutiny because of his large following across Haryana, Punjab and neighbouring states. His frequent temporary releases have repeatedly raised questions over the use of parole and furlough provisions for a high-profile prisoner. Under Haryana prison rules, such releases are subject to prescribed conditions and approvals.
Can a Prisoner Apply Again for Parole?
Yes, a prisoner can apply for parole more than once, but each application is considered separately and is subject to the applicable prison rules and eligibility conditions.
Parole Vs Furlough
Parole is generally granted for specific reasons or circumstances, while furlough is a temporary release provided under prescribed eligibility rules, usually linked to maintaining family and social ties. So, a person who has already received parole can apply again, but the authorities can accept or reject the fresh application depending on the rules and circumstances.
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Shamshad Ali is a New Delhi–based journalist with over six years of experience spanning breaking news writing, on-the-ground reporting, and editing. When he isn’t chasing headlines, Shamshad is usually exploring new destinations, discovering hidden culinary gems, and striking up conversations with strangers. Many of whom turn out to be great sources, and even better friends. He can be reached at shamshadali.dar@gmail.com.
The post Over 400 Days Outside Prison: Why Convicted Dera Chief Ram Rahim Keeps Getting Parole And Furlough; What Are The Rules? appeared first on NewsX.