Gurmeet Ram Rahim is currently lodged at Sunaria jail in Rohtak after being convicted in two rape cases and murder of a journalist. (Photo: PTI)

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has said that no decision has been taken yet on granting parole to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim.

The self-styled godman, currently serving a 20-year sentence for raping two women, has sought parole of 42 days for tending the sprawling fields in his sect's headquarters in Sirsa town, some 250 km from Chandigarh.

Speaking on the matter, Manohar Lal Khattar said, "There are certain legal procedures and a person who has the right to seek parole can seek it. We can't stop anyone. As of now, no decision has been taken on Ram Rahim's parole."

However, the BJP government in Haryana seems to be favouring parole for Gurmeet Ram Rahim, saying this is his right owing to his 'good conduct' in jail.

Cabinet minister Anil Vij told a media channel: "Parole is his right", citing his good behaviour in jail.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim is currently lodged at Sunaria jail in Rohtak after being convicted in two rape cases and murder of a journalist.

Haryana Jail Minister KL Panwar said: "He made a request which we forwarded to the Sirsa district administration. Further action will be taken based on the report."

The district administration is awaiting a reply from central security and intelligence agencies and also from the Sirsa District Magistrate on whether Gurmeet Ram Rahim's parole at this time is feasible or not.

Officials say his parole could create law and order problems in the state at the time of his release and surrender later.

In jail, Ram Rahim spends most of his time growing vegetables and fruits. He earns Rs 20 daily for putting in eight hours for farming, which comes under the unskilled work category.

As per the jail superintendent, Ram Rahim's conduct in jail is like a "disciplined inmate".

His conviction on August 25, 2017, had led to violence in Panchkula and Sirsa, leaving 41 people dead and over 260 injured.

Ram Rahim was patronized by political leaders and parties of Punjab and Haryana for nearly two decades due to his ability to shift the votes of his followers.

Opposition parties say that the Manohar Lal Khattar government in the state is trying to woo the electorate ahead of the Assembly elections slated in October by favouring the jailed self-styled godman.

At this, the Jail Minister KL Panwar told the media, "Do not link it with elections. If we had such an intention we would have released him before Lok Sabha elections."

Panwar said the Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief is following due procedure. "He has applied for parole, which he is entitled to. There is a procedure involved."