John Brittas Flags ‘Double Standards’ as Umar Khalid Jailed Without Trial While Gurmeet Ram Rahim Gets Parole for 15th Time

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has raised sharp criticism over what he termed “double standards” in India’s criminal justice system, contrasting the continued detention of activist Umar Khalid with the repeated parole granted to convicted godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

In a post on X, Brittas pointed out that Umar Khalid has been in jail for over five years under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), with his trial yet to commence. “No bail to Umar Khalid — detained for over 5 years under the draconian UAPA, with the trial yet to even begin. Pre-trial jail is not a punishment!!” the MP wrote.

Brittas further questioned the application of established legal principles, stating that the maxim “bail is the rule, jail the exception” appeared to be selectively applied. “The principle clearly doesn’t apply when it comes to certain individuals,” he said.

Drawing a contrast, he highlighted that Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who was convicted and sentenced in 2017 for rape and murder, has been granted yet another parole. According to Brittas, the latest parole — a 40-day release — marks the 15th temporary release Ram Rahim has received since his conviction.

“One languishes indefinitely without trial. The other enjoys repeated ‘jail vacations’ on demand,” Brittas wrote, underscoring what he described as an unequal and unjust application of the law.

On Monday, Umar Khalid's bail plea was once again rejected by Supreme Court, after five years in jail without trial. Meanwhile, self proclaimed Godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, a convicted person was released from the jail on his 15th parole since conviction.

The remarks have added to the ongoing debate around prolonged pre-trial detention of Umar Khlaid under stringent laws like the UAPA, raising renewed questions about fairness, accountability, and consistency in the criminal justice system under Narendra Modi government.