In a monumental stride towards justice and accountability, the Supreme Court of India has recently overturned the Gujarat government’s controversial decision to grant remission to 11 convicts involved in the gruesome 2002 rape of Bilkis Bano and the tragic murder of her family.Bilkis Bano, enduring a harrowing ordeal during the 2002 anti-Muslim violence in Gujarat while being five months pregnant, has become a symbol of resilience and courage. The recent Supreme Court verdict brings solace to her and countless others who have suffered injustices during that dark chapter in India’s history.The incident, a stain on the nation’s conscience, garnered national attention and highlighted the atrocities committed during the tumultuous period. Bilkis Bano, choosing not to return to her native Randhikpur where the violence occurred, has faced displacement and a low-profile existence, enduring the trauma inflicted upon her and her family.The apex court’s verdict, directing the 11 convicts to report to jail authorities within two weeks, resonates as a beacon of hope and justice for victims of heinous crimes across the nation. It firmly establishes that crimes of such grave magnitude warrant no leniency or selective remissions, upholding the sanctity of justice and ensuring the rule of law prevails.Legal luminaries, activists, and citizens have applauded the Supreme Court’s decisive intervention, acknowledging it as a monumental step towards holding perpetrators of reprehensible acts accountable. The verdict serves as a poignant reminder that justice, though delayed at times, remains an essential cornerstone of a democratic society.As the nation reflects on this landmark verdict, it stands as a testament to the judiciary’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the rights of its citizens. The ruling reaffirms that justice is not merely a word but a lived reality for all. The Supreme Court’s decisive action in the Bilkis Bano case underscores its commitment to upholding the rule of law, setting a precedent that will resonate for years to come.Note: Peerzada Masrat Shah is writer/ columnist and editor of Weekly “Barwaqat” NewspaperBlurb:In a pivotal moment for justice, the Supreme Court of India has overturned the Gujarat government’s decision to grant remission to 11 convicts involved in the 2002 rape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of her family. Bilkis Bano, a symbol of resilience, endured unspeakable horrors during the anti-Muslim violence in Gujarat. The court’s verdict, directing the convicts to report to jail within two weeks, stands as a beacon of hope, emphasizing that crimes of such magnitude deserve no leniency. Legal luminaries and activists hail the decision as a monumental step towards accountability, reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Upholding Justice: Supreme Court’s Historic Verdict in the Bilkis Bano Case
