X: @the_news_21
The Supreme Court delivered a pivotal verdict on Monday, nullifying the Gujarat government’s premature release order for 11 men convicted of the heinous gang rape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of seven of her relatives during the 2002 Gujarat riots. The decision stands as a beacon of hope and vindication for Bilkis Bano, who expressed profound relief and gratitude for the long-awaited justice.
Bilkis Bano, visibly moved by the verdict, shared her overwhelming emotions, declaring it a new beginning and a moment of immense relief. Expressing gratitude to the Indian judiciary for upholding the promise of equal justice, she thanked her family, friends, and her unwavering legal counsel, Advocate Shobha Gupta, who stood by her throughout the arduous 20-year legal battle.
In her statement, Bilkis emphasized the collective effort behind her quest for justice, underscoring the importance of solidarity and the unwavering support she received during trying times.
The apex court, in its ruling, invalidated the Gujarat government’s decision to release the convicts prematurely, citing the trial’s relocation to Mumbai, thereby placing the responsibility with Maharashtra. The court criticized the Gujarat government’s overreach and lack of jurisdiction in the matter.
In a definitive directive, the Supreme Court ordered the 11 convicts to surrender back to prison within a span of two weeks, nullifying their release after 14 years of imprisonment, citing ‘good behavior’ as the rationale for their premature release last year.
The list of released convicts includes names such as Bakabhai Vohania, Bipin Chandra Joshi, Kesarbhai Vohania, Govind Nai, Jaswant Nai, Mitesh Bhatt, Pradeep Mordhiya, Radheshyam Shah, Rajubhai Soni, Ramesh Chandana, and Shailesh Bhatt, who were convicted for their roles in the grievous assault on Bilkis Bano.
Bilkis Bano’s traumatic experience at the age of 21, pregnant at the time of the horrific incident, reverberated as a symbol of the atrocities faced by her and her family during the tragic events of the Gujarat riots, making this legal battle an emblematic fight for justice against grave human rights violations.
The Supreme Court’s resolute decision reinstates faith in the judicial process, emphasizing the sanctity of the rule of law and equality before it, delivering a resounding message against impunity and ensuring accountability for grave offenses.
