New Delhi: Bilkis Bano, the survivor of one of the most horrific crimes during the 2002 Gujarat riots, expressed her joy as the Supreme Court ordered the 11 men responsible for killing her family and gangraping her to return to jail. This decision has brought a sense of relief for Bilkis Bano, who considers it a new beginning for her. The convicts, who were released last year for “good behaviour”, have been given a two-week deadline to surrender, according to the Supreme Court’s ruling today.
The top court declared that the Gujarat government’s decision to release the convicts was made “without application of mind” and that only the state where the trial took place, in this case Maharashtra, has the authority to release them. Bilkis Bano expressed her gratitude to the Supreme Court, stating that she had shed tears of relief and smiled for the first time in over a year and a half. She described the decision as a weight being lifted from her chest, allowing her to breathe freely again.
Through her lawyer Shobha Gupta, Bilkis Bano issued a statement saying, “This is what justice feels like. I thank the honourable Supreme Court of India for giving me, my children, and women everywhere, this vindication and hope in the promise of equal justice for all.” Reflecting on the moment when the convicts were released last year, she said, “I simply collapsed.” She expressed her gratitude to those who supported her during that difficult period and credited them for giving her the strength to fight for justice not only for herself but for all women in India.
Shobha Gupta, who has been Bilkis Bano’s legal counsel for many years, criticized the release of the convicts and questioned the basis of their “good behaviour” claim. She highlighted the lack of evidence reflecting their supposed reformation. Last year, the men were released on Independence Day by the Gujarat government under an outdated law, causing widespread outrage across the country. Bilkis Bano was not informed about their release and expressed concerns about her security.
Following their release, the convicts were welcomed with sweets and garlands, and some of them even shared the stage with a BJP MP and MLA. It was revealed during the hearing that one of the convicts, Radheshaym Shah, had started practicing law after his release.
The Supreme Court’s decision to bring the convicts back to jail has brought a sense of justice and relief to Bilkis Bano, who has endured immense suffering and trauma. She hopes that this ruling will serve as a beacon of hope for women across the country, emphasizing the importance of equal justice for all.
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