Supreme Court: Bilkis Bano Gang Rape Case: The convicts have to surrender before January 22
Govindbhai Nai, one of the 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case who were released early but have been ordered back to jail by the Supreme Court, has requested four weeks more to surrender, citing his health and family responsibilities.
In a landmark verdict on January 8, the Supreme Court cancelled the Gujarat government’s decision to grant remission to the 11 men who gang-raped Bilkis Bano and murdered seven members of her family, including her three-year old daughter, during the 2002 Gujarat riots. The judges also directed the convicts, who were released on Independence Day in 2022, to surrender by January 22.
In his petition to the Supreme Court, Nai, who works as a barber, gave several reasons for requesting an extension. He claimed that he is the sole caregiver for his 88-year-old bedridden father and 75-year-old mother who he said are completely dependent on him. He also said he was responsible for the financial needs of his two children. Lastly, the 55-year-old also referred to his own health, saying he was suffering from asthma and had recently undergone a surgery.
Nai claimed in his petition that after his release from prison, he had not violated any law and had complied with the terms and conditions of the release order.
21-year-old Bilkis Bano, who was pregnant at the time, and two of her children were the only survivors in a group that was chased down and attacked during the 2002 riots.
The release of the men who gang-raped her and killed her family sparked nationwide anger.
The Supreme Court said the Gujarat government was not competent to release the men. “The exercise of power by the state of Gujarat is an instance of usurpation of power and abuse of power. The rule of law must be preserved unmindful of the ripples of the consequences,” Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan said in their order.
“To keep them out would not be in consonance of the rule of law,” the Supreme Court said, adding that “arguments with emotional appeal become hollow when placed in juxtaposition with the facts of the case”.
The convicts who were released early are Jaswant Nai, Govindbhai Nai, Shailesh Bhatt, Radhyesham Shah, Bipin Chandra Joshi, Kesarbhai Vohania, Pradeep Mordhiya, Bakabhai Vohania, Rajubhai Soni, Mitesh Bhatt and Ramesh Chandana.
Source link: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bilkis-bano-case-convict-seeks-4-more-weeks-to-surrender-cites-poor-health-4884023