HC directs Haryana not to entertain Sirsa dera chief's parole plea without its nod

CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana high court has directed Haryana govt not to entertain any application for parole by Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who is undergoing punishment after being sentenced in cases of rape and murder, without taking permission of the court in future.

The Manohar Lal Khattar government has been facing criticism for being lenient towards controversial Sirsa dera preacher by frequently releasing him on parole/furlough.

The high court also asked Haryana to furnish data on parole granted to other convicts in the state jails on similar lines. "We would like the State of Haryana to furnish an affidavit as to how many persons having such criminal antecedents and sentenced in three cases have been granted this benefit.