Chandigarh, April 9 -- Dera Sacha Sauda chief and self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was granted a 21-day furlough on Wednesday, marking the 13th time he has been temporarily released from prison since his conviction.

His lawyer, Jitendra Khurana, confirmed the development, stating that the furlough was approved through proper legal channels.

"There is nothing extraordinary in this. It is the legal right of a prisoner to receive up to 70 days of parole and 21 days of furlough in a year. This is not a favour but part of the due legal process," Khurana said.

The timing of Ram Rahim's releases has often stirred controversy, particularly when they coincide with elections or religious events.

However, Khurana dismissed such specula...