| PYQ Relevance: Q). Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (UPSC CSE 2022) Q. (a) State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance. (150 words) (b) Distinguish between “Code of ethics” and “Code of conduct” with suitable examples. (UPSC CSE 2018) Q. (a) Which eminent personality has inspired you the most in the context of ethical conduct in life? Give the gist of his/her teachings. Giving specific examples, describe how you have been able to apply these teachings for your ethical development. (b) There is a heavy ethical responsibility on the public servants because they occupy positions of power, handle huge amounts of public funds, and their decisions have wide-ranging impacts on society and the environment. What steps have you taken to improve your ethical competence to handle such responsibility? (UPSC CSE 2014) |
Mentor’s Comment: Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is a prominent Indian spiritual leader and the head of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect. In January 2019, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, who had reported on the rape allegations against him. Additionally, he was convicted in October 2021 for the murder of Ranjit Singh, a former Dera manager.
Despite his criminal convictions, Singh maintains a significant following. These challenges are reflected while maintaining law and order in governance and administration. In today’s editorial, we will study the same case and its impacts on democratic values of the Society.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, a convicted rapist and murderer, was released on parole just days before the Haryana Assembly elections.
- This is his 15th parole, which is often coinciding with elections, raising concerns from the opposition party about electoral conduct violations.
- A parole is a conditional release of a prisoner before they have completed their full sentence.
What legal challenges have been raised against this Parole?
- Violates Model Code of Conduct: The Haryana Congress has formally petitioned the Election Commission of India to prevent Singh’s parole, arguing that it could influence voters during the upcoming assembly elections affecting democratic values.
- Even if granted parole, he needs to face stringent conditions, including a ban on entering Haryana, delivering public speeches, or engaging in any political activities.
- Public Opposition and Legal Scrutiny: There is significant public outcry with groups like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Concerns have been raised about potential law and order issues stemming from his influence
- Judicial Oversight: The state government has assured that all parole applications are processed legally, adhering to the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoner (Temporary Release) Act, 2022. The frequent granting of parole has led to calls for reforms in the system to prevent misuse.
What role needs to be played by the Political Parties and the ECI?
- Political Parties: The ruling party in Haryana defends the decision to grant parole to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, claiming due process was followed. While the opposition party opposes the parole, their previous activities had similar views.
- Political parties need to learn from former personalities like PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, who prioritized the ‘Rule of Law’ over political gain.
- Election Commission’s Scrutiny: The Election Commission of India (ECI) needs to intervene and cancel Singh’s parole, arguing it undermines democratic values, especially before elections.
- Need for Judicial Oversight: The judiciary has previously played a crucial role in addressing Singh’s crimes, and there is hope for continued judicial vigilance against unjust paroles.
Conclusion: The ongoing saga of Singh’s crimes and convictions reflects a broader societal struggle against superstition and injustice, as emphasized by the late rationalist Narendra Dabholkar. ECI should establish stricter guidelines and oversight mechanisms regarding parole applications, particularly for individuals convicted of serious crimes.
