NEW DELHI: Bilkis Bano, whose rapists will be sent back to prison after the Supreme Court quashed the remission granted to them on Monday, said that she smiled for the first time in over a year and a half.
Earlier today, the apex court criticized the Gujarat government’s decision, saying that it lacked proper consideration, as it overturned the move to free 11 men convicted of raping Bano and murdering seven members of her family during the 2002 riots in Gujarat.
In a statement released by her lawyer Shobha Gupta, Bano expressed her gratitude to the Supreme Court for the verdict, describing it as a new beginning.
She shared her relief and happiness, saying that she felt like a heavy burden had been lifted from her chest.
“This is what justice feels like. I thank the honorable Supreme Court of India for giving me, my children, and women everywhere this vindication and hope in the promise of equal justice for all,” she said.
The Supreme Court also accused the Gujarat government of misusing its power and ordered the 11 men to be sent back to jail within two weeks.
Bano acknowledged the support she received throughout her journey, emphasizing the importance of having her husband, children, and friends by her side. She expressed her gratitude to Advocate Shobha Gupta, her unwavering lawyer who never allowed her to lose hope in the pursuit of justice.
Bano recalled the moment when those responsible for her family’s destruction were granted early release, causing her to lose faith.
However, she found strength in the solidarity of thousands of ordinary people and women who stood up for her.
Bano thanked those who supported her, including the individuals who filed PIL petitions in the Supreme Court and the thousands who wrote appeals and open letters.
Expressing her gratitude, Bano said, “To each of these people, my thanks for your precious solidarity and strength. You gave me the determination to fight, not only for myself but for every woman in India. I am truly grateful.”
As Bano reflects on the significance of this verdict for her life and her children’s lives, she hopes for the rule of law and equality before the law for all.
(With inputs from PTI)
Watch Breaking News: Supreme Court quashes Gujarat govt’s remission order in Bilkis Bano case
Earlier today, the apex court criticized the Gujarat government’s decision, saying that it lacked proper consideration, as it overturned the move to free 11 men convicted of raping Bano and murdering seven members of her family during the 2002 riots in Gujarat.
In a statement released by her lawyer Shobha Gupta, Bano expressed her gratitude to the Supreme Court for the verdict, describing it as a new beginning.
She shared her relief and happiness, saying that she felt like a heavy burden had been lifted from her chest.
“This is what justice feels like. I thank the honorable Supreme Court of India for giving me, my children, and women everywhere this vindication and hope in the promise of equal justice for all,” she said.
The Supreme Court also accused the Gujarat government of misusing its power and ordered the 11 men to be sent back to jail within two weeks.
Bano acknowledged the support she received throughout her journey, emphasizing the importance of having her husband, children, and friends by her side. She expressed her gratitude to Advocate Shobha Gupta, her unwavering lawyer who never allowed her to lose hope in the pursuit of justice.
Bano recalled the moment when those responsible for her family’s destruction were granted early release, causing her to lose faith.
However, she found strength in the solidarity of thousands of ordinary people and women who stood up for her.
Bano thanked those who supported her, including the individuals who filed PIL petitions in the Supreme Court and the thousands who wrote appeals and open letters.
Expressing her gratitude, Bano said, “To each of these people, my thanks for your precious solidarity and strength. You gave me the determination to fight, not only for myself but for every woman in India. I am truly grateful.”
As Bano reflects on the significance of this verdict for her life and her children’s lives, she hopes for the rule of law and equality before the law for all.
(With inputs from PTI)
Watch Breaking News: Supreme Court quashes Gujarat govt’s remission order in Bilkis Bano case
