Ram Rahim Out on 21-Day Parole: Know the Rules Behind His Repeated Releases

New Delhi: Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is out of jail once again. He has been given furlough for 21 days. This is his 17th temporary release since 2020. Questions have often been raised about coming out of jail again and again that how can a convicted prisoner get parole or furlough so many times. To understand this whole matter, first of all it is important to know the difference between parole and furlough. 

What is parole and on what basis is it granted?

Parole is a system under which a prisoner is allowed to stay out of jail for a limited period before completing his sentence. Usually there may be special circumstances or human grounds behind this. There may be a provision for granting parole in case of serious illness, death of a family member or any other urgent circumstance. However, during his stay outside, the prisoner has to follow the prescribed conditions and has to return to jail on completion of the period. According to Haryana rules, the time spent on parole is not normally included in the sentence period. 

How is furlough different from parole?

Furlough also allows the prisoner to stay out of jail for some time, but its purpose is considered different. Eligible prisoners serving long sentences may be granted furlough to maintain family and social contacts. There is no need for any special emergency for this. Prisoners who fulfill the eligibility and other conditions under the relevant rules can apply for furlough. The special thing is that the time spent outside on furlough is counted towards the period of punishment.

How many times has Ram Rahim got leave till now?

Gurmeet Ram Rahim was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2017 for raping two nuns. After this, he has got parole and furlough several times since October 2020. According to the available reports, he has come out of jail temporarily for the 17th time till August 2026. On different occasions he has been granted leave ranging from 21 days to 50 days.

Does the government send Ram Rahim out every time of its own free will?

Getting parole or furlough for a prisoner does not constitute permanent release. Every time the approval of the competent authority and prescribed rules are applicable. The prisoner has to follow the conditions set during the leave and has to return to jail at the end of the period. Therefore, repeated temporary release of a prisoner does not mean that his sentence has ended. 

Why are questions being raised?

Temporary releases of Ram Rahim have long been a topic of political and social discussion. The opposition and social organisations had raised questions especially regarding some of its releases being around the elections in 2024 and 2025. On the other hand, the administration has been saying that such releases are under the relevant jail rules and the approval of the competent authority. 

Is Ram Rahim still serving his sentence?

Yes. Despite getting parole or furlough, Ram Rahim's original sentence has not ended. He is serving a 20-year sentence awarded in 2017. Apart from this, the life imprisonment given to him in the journalist Ram Chandra Chhatrapati murder case was overturned by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in March 2026, against which a challenge has been made in the Supreme Court. The apex court has accepted the petition for hearing on this matter. 

What is the biggest difference between parole and furlough?

In simple words, parole is usually a temporary release related to a specific reason or circumstance, whereas furlough is leave given under the prescribed rules to an eligible prisoner serving a long sentence. In both cases the prisoner has to return after being out of jail. In the case of Ram Rahim, the difference between parole and furlough is once again in discussion due to the repeated temporary leaves granted.