Dera Sacha Sauda chief approaches HC seeking directions for 21-day furlough

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the Dera Sacha Sauda chief and convicted of rape, has petitioned the Punjab and Haryana High Court for a 21-day furlough. \r

Previously restricted by a court directive, he seeks directions to evaluate his furlough application under the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoner (Temporary Release) Act 2022. Singh, serving a 20-year sentence at Sunaria jail for raping two disciples, highlights welfare activities conducted by his sect, needing his motivational involvement. \r

The High Court had earlier barred the Haryana government from granting him further parole, prompted by a petition from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee opposing his temporary releases. Singh's plea cites a pending February 29 stay on his prior furlough request, urging its resolution for consideration.