In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India has nullified the Gujarat government’s order to release 11 convicts in the infamous Bilkis Bano rape case. Bilkis Bano, the survivor, expressed her profound gratitude to the apex court, describing the verdict as a rejuvenating new beginning. Her lawyer, Shobha Gupta, conveyed Bano’s sentiments, underscoring the immense relief and joy following the court’s decision.

Bilkis Bano, through a statement released by her lawyer Shobha Gupta, conveyed her overwhelming emotions after the Supreme Court’s verdict. She described the decision as a fresh start and extended heartfelt thanks to the honorable Supreme Court for offering her, her children, and women across the nation a sense of vindication and hope for equal justice.

Acknowledging the unwavering support she received during her protracted legal battle, Bano expressed gratitude to her family, friends, and particularly her lawyer, Shobha Gupta, for standing steadfastly by her side. Gupta’s two-decade-long support was acknowledged by Bano as instrumental in sustaining her faith and hope in the quest for justice as reported by Financial Express.

Recalling the distressing moments following the premature release of the convicts, Bano highlighted the massive outpouring of support from thousands of ordinary people and women across India. Over 8,500 individuals from Mumbai and 6,000 from various parts of the country submitted appeals, with an additional 10,000 individuals contributing to an open letter expressing solidarity with her cause. Bano expressed her gratitude, emphasizing that their collective support empowered her to fight not just for herself but for every woman in India.

The family’s sentiments were echoed by Bilkis Bano’s husband, Yaqub Rasool, who expressed joy and gratitude for the justice served by the Supreme Court. While acknowledging the reinstated faith in the judiciary, Rasool remained cautious, recognizing the possibility of the convicts applying for remission in another state.

Advocate Shobha Gupta, representing Bilkis Bano in the Supreme Court, disclosed that the court reproached the Gujarat government for using one convict’s order to release all 11 individuals. The court, in its verdict, invalidated the remission granted by the Gujarat government.

The Supreme Court’s two-judge bench declared that the convicts, released for “good behavior” last year, must surrender within two weeks. The court criticized the Gujarat government’s exercise of power as lacking “application of mind,” underscoring the state’s incompetence in releasing the individuals.

The Supreme Court’s reversal of the Gujarat government’s decision in the Bilkis Bano rape case marks a crucial turning point in the pursuit of justice. Bano’s expressions of gratitude and the family’s acknowledgment of the court’s decision underscore the significance of this verdict. As the convicts face the prospect of returning to jail, the ruling emphatically underscores the paramount importance of the rule of law and equality before it.

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