Supreme Court Revokes Premature Release of 2002 Gujarat Gang Rape and Murder Convicts

In a landmark decision today, the Supreme Court has nullified the Gujarat government’s controversial move to grant release to 11 men convicted of the heinous gang rape of Bilkis Bano and the brutal murder of her family in 2002. The convicts, who were set free on Independence Day in 2022 under an outdated remission policy, faced immense public outcry and a legal challenge mounted by Bano herself. Describing the early release as “shaking the conscience of society,” Bano petitioned the apex court in November 2022, sparking a national debate on justice and governance.

The Court’s ruling not only annulled the premature release but also spotlighted the alleged irregularities in the Gujarat government’s handling of the case. Opposition voices, particularly from Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi and veteran Left leader Brinda Karat, heavily criticized the government’s role, accusing it of prioritizing the interests of the culprits over justice for the victims. Bilkis Bano, who was 21 years old and pregnant when she was subjected to the brutal assault that also claimed the life of her toddler daughter and six other family members, had previously expressed concerns about witness safety and evidence integrity, leading to the case’s transfer from Ahmedabad to Mumbai in 2004.

The judicial journey culminated in the conviction of 11 men in January 2008 by a special court, sentencing them to life imprisonment for the horrific crimes committed against Bilkis Bano and her family. While this decision was upheld by the Bombay High Court, the recent Supreme Court ruling serves as a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims, signaling a renewed hope for a fair and lawful resolution in this harrowing case.

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