Gurmeet Ram Rahim, convicted in 2017 rape and murder cases, granted 40-day parole to stay at his ashram, sparking criticism over repeated leniency.

Dera Sacha Sauda leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim received a 40-day parole, his fifteenth release since being found guilty of rape and murder in 2017. In addition to serving a 20-year sentence for raping two female followers, he also faces additional punishment for killing journalist Chhatrapati and a Dera manager in 2000. He is able to remain at the Dera's ashram in Sirsa, Haryana, thanks to the parole, despite persistent criticism from political figures and the families of the victims for their repeated leniency. According to the Haryana government, he complies with jail regulations that allow for up to 90 days of parole each year.