SC Rejects SGPC’s Plea Against Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s Parole
The Supreme Court on Friday declined to hear the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) plea challenging the temporary release of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The court cited procedural grounds and maintainability concerns.
A bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra reviewed the plea, which contested an earlier ruling by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The dera chief’s counsel objected, arguing that the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) targeted a single individual, making it legally unsustainable. The high court had dismissed the PIL on similar grounds.
“Given these circumstances, we are not inclined to consider this petition,” the Supreme Court stated.
Ram Rahim’s Legal History and Temporary Releases
Gurmeet Ram Rahim is serving a 20-year prison sentence for raping two of his disciples. The SGPC challenged an August 2024 high court order, which stated that if Ram Rahim applied for temporary release, the authorities must decide without bias or favoritism.
The SGPC alleged misuse of power under Section 11 of the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022. The counsel claimed that between 2022 and 2024, the authorities repeatedly granted Ram Rahim paroles and furloughs for extended periods.
Ram Rahim’s legal team argued that the 2023 PIL filed in the high court specifically targeted him, hinting at political motives behind the challenge.
Supreme Court Advises SGPC to Challenge Latest Parole Separately
Despite the high court’s directive, SGPC pointed out that Ram Rahim was granted parole again in January 2025.
The Supreme Court advised SGPC to file a contempt petition in the high court instead of pursuing the dismissed PIL.
“If you believe the authorities have violated the high court’s order, file a contempt plea before the same court,” the bench remarked.
CBI’s Appeal Against Ram Rahim’s Acquittal in Murder Case
Apart from his rape conviction, Ram Rahim was previously acquitted in the 2002 murder case of Ranjit Singh, a former manager of the sect. The Punjab and Haryana High Court cleared him of the charges in May 2023, citing flaws in the investigation.
On January 3, 2025, the Supreme Court agreed to examine the CBI’s appeal against this acquittal.
With legal challenges continuing, Ram Rahim’s parole approvals remain a point of controversy, drawing opposition from SGPC and Sikh organizations.
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