11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gang rape case released as they have demonstrated good behaviors - Gujarat Government

As per a 1992 remission policy, the Gujarat government has decided to release all 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gang rape case since they have completed more than 14 years in prison and have demonstrated good behavior, the Gujarat government told the Apex Court in an affidavit.

The state government also explained that the convicts were not released as part of the Azadi ka Amri Mahotsav, 75th Independence celebrations.

Background

The government recently granted remission to 11 convicts who murdered Bilkis Bano's family and gang-raped her during the 2002 Godhra riots.

A petition was filed by CPI(M) leader Subhasini Ali, independent journalist and filmmaker Revati Laul, and former philosophy professor and activist Roop Rekh Varma before the Top court against the release.

On August 25, the SC sought the response of the state government and the 11 convicts.

In its affidavit, the Gujarat government questioned the petitioners' locus and that the petition was a misuse of the public interest litigation jurisdiction of the SC. They also said that the government considered the opinions of the Gujarat State Jail Superintendent, Inspector General of Prisons, Jail Advisory Committee, District Magistrate, CBI Special Crime Branch Mumbai, and Session Court Mumbai CBI branch. Thus the opinion of seven authorities was considered.

The affidavit also highlighted that the Union Home Ministry approved the premature release of all eleven convicts.