India's Supreme Court has overturned a contentious decision by the Gujarat state government to release 11 men convicted of the gang rape of Bilkis Bano during Hindu-Muslim riots in 2002. The men, part of a Hindu mob, had served 14 years of their life sentence for the heinous crime, during which they also killed 14 members of Bano's family, including her 3-year-old daughter.
The release, authorized by an advisory panel linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), prompted widespread criticism, with accusations of political influence, misogyny, and religious discrimination. On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled that the Gujarat government had exceeded its authority and ordered the men to return to prison within two weeks.
The court emphasized that the Gujarat government lacked the competency to issue remission orders, as the trial and sentencing occurred in Maharashtra state. The ruling hailed the restoration of the rule of law and was welcomed by Bilkis Bano's supporters, who had vehemently opposed the release.
Bano's case dates back to the 2002 religious riots in Gujarat, one of India's worst, resulting in over 1,000 deaths, predominantly among the Muslim community. Bano, a rape survivor, faced brutal assaults during the riots, leading to the imprisonment of her attackers in 2008. However, the controversial decision to release them in 2022 sparked nationwide outrage, with protests highlighting concerns over the politicization of justice and discrimination against women and minority communities.
The Supreme Court's verdict is seen as a significant step in upholding justice and the rule of law, echoing calls for accountability and fairness in high-profile cases. The ruling marks a momentous occasion for Bilkis Bano and advocates for women's rights, sending a powerful message against impunity for perpetrators of such heinous crimes.
Comments