News Delhi, India: In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India on Monday quashed the premature release of 11 convicts sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal gang rape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of her family members during the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Procedural errors cited: The court, led by Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan, held that the Gujarat government lacked the authority to grant remission as the trial took place in Maharashtra. The May 2022 order directing Gujarat to decide on remission was deemed invalid due to “fraud and misleading statements.”
Rule of law prevails: Justice Nagarathna emphasized the paramountcy of the rule of law, stating that granting remission “usurped power” and “abused” it. She asserted the court’s duty to “correct arbitrary orders” and uphold public trust.
Justice for Bilkis Bano: This decision delivers a measure of justice for Bano, who has fought tirelessly for over two decades. The verdict affirms that even heinous crimes cannot go unpunished and due process must be followed.
Convicts to surrender: The 11 convicts, released in August 2022, must surrender within two weeks. This marks a victory for survivors of sexual violence and their long struggle for justice.
Wider implications: The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for remission policies and procedures across India. It’s likely to reignite conversations about accountability for crimes against women and minorities. Bano’s lawyer hailed the verdict as a “triumph of the rule of law and humanity.” Human rights activists and legal experts expressed relief and hope that the decision sets a precedent for upholding justice in future cases.
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