In a landmark case related to the 2002 Gujarat riots, the Supreme Court of India is set to deliver its verdict on the Bilkis Bano case. This case involves petitions challenging the remission granted to 11 convicts who were previously charged with the gangrape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of seven of her family members during the communal riots that followed the Godhra train-burning incident.
Bilkis Bano, a 21-year-old pregnant woman at the time, became the victim of a horrific gangrape while fleeing the communal violence. The 11 convicts involved in the murder of her daughter and six other family members were initially convicted, but to the dismay of many, the Gujarat government granted them remission, leading to their release on August 15, 2022.
In September, the Supreme Court raised crucial questions about whether convicts have a fundamental right to seek remission. The court deliberated on whether the opportunity for reform and reintegration into society should extend to individuals involved in heinous crimes such as gangrape and murder.
About Supreme Court Verdict on Bilkis Bano Case:
A bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan, after hearing petitions filed by Bilkis Bano, reserved its verdict on October 12. However, the court directed the Centre and the Gujarat government to submit original records related to the remission of sentences by October 16, emphasizing the importance of a thorough examination of the case.
Bilkis Bano’s petition contested the remission granted by the Gujarat government. The Supreme Court pointed out that state governments should not be selective in granting remission, raising concerns about the consistency and fairness in such decisions. Several public interest litigations (PILs) were also filed challenging the relief given to the convicts, including notable ones by CPI(M) leader Subhashini Ali, TMC leader Mahua Moitra, independent journalist Revati Laul, and former vice-chancellor of Lucknow University Roop Rekha Verma.
The Bilkis Bano case holds broader significance, as it prompts a critical examination of the balance between justice and the potential for reformation. It also highlights the responsibility of state governments in ensuring that remission decisions are made impartially and without discrimination.
As the Supreme Court prepares to deliver its verdict on the Bilkis Bano case, the nation watches with anticipation. The outcome is expected to set a precedent for cases involving remission for serious crimes, underscoring the delicate balance between justice, rehabilitation, and the need for a fair and consistent legal system.