It was argued that the state of Haryana, while granting temporary release to Singh, was misusing its powers under Section 11 of the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022.The SGPC counsel alleged authorities granted paroles or furloughs to Singh repeatedly for the maxium period between 2022 and 2024.Singh’s counsel said the PIL filed before the high court in 2023 was only against the Dera Sacha Sauda chief.”It is only directed against me (Singh),” his counsel said, indicating a political rivalry.The top court took note of the high court saying if an application was made by Singh for his temporary release, it would be “considered strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Act of 2022” without “arbitrariness or favoritism or discrimination.”The SGPC’s counsel said despite the high court order, Singh was granted parole in January this year.”Challenge that now and file a contempt petition before the high court that they (authorities) have committed a contempt of the high court’s order,” the apex court observed.In 2017, Singh was sentenced to a 20-year imprisonment for raping two disciples.On January 3, the apex court agreed to examine the CBI’s appeal against the acquittal of Singh and four others in the 2002 murder of Ranjit Singh, a former manager of the sect.In May last year, the high court acquitted Singh and four others in the murder case, citing “tainted and sketchy” probe in the matter.
Source link
