SC Dismisses Pleas of Bilkis Bano Case | Seeking Extension
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed the applications filed by the convicts in the Bilkis Bano case, who were seeking an extension of time to surrender before jail authorities. The court, comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan, stated that the reasons cited by the convicts to postpone their surrender have no merit. This decision comes after the apex court had earlier quashed the remission granted by the Gujarat government to the 11 convicts in the case.
Background of the Bilkis Bano Case
The Bilkis Bano case dates back to the horrific events that unfolded during the 2002 Gujarat riots. Bilkis Bano, a survivor of the brutal gangrape and the murder of seven of her family members, became a symbol of resilience and justice. The heinous crime took place amidst the communal violence that shook Gujarat, leaving a deep scar on the nation’s conscience.
PR Modhiya, one of the prisoners, has spoken about having lung surgery and the necessity of routine check-ups with doctors. Govindhbhai Nai, another prisoner, had asked for more time because of a recent angiogram and an impending procedure for “haemorrhoids.” Modhiya’s appeal further emphasized the necessity of finishing departmental procedures pertaining to his wife’s service benefits and the recent loss of his wife.
The court rejected these claims, ruling that the stated justifications were insufficient to support an extension. Among the other prisoners who applied for comparable relief were Mitesh Bhatt, Bipin Chandra Joshi, and Ramesh Chandana
Supreme Court’s Decision on the Convicts’ Pleas
The Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the applications of the convicts seeking an extension of time to surrender is a significant step towards upholding justice and ensuring the rule of law. The court firmly stated that the reasons put forth by the convicts to delay their surrender have no merit, emphasizing that these reasons do not prevent them from complying with the court’s earlier directions.
In its earlier judgment on January 8, the Supreme Court had quashed the Gujarat government’s decision to grant remission to the 11 convicts. The court observed that the remission orders were “stereotyped” and passed without due application of mind. The apex court had directed the convicts to surrender before jail authorities within two weeks, setting the deadline as Sunday, January 21.
We didn’t have to discuss the other matters. However, we have done so in order to be thorough. The Gujarat administration usurped authority that was not rightfully its own and misused it, which is a violation of the rule of law. The remission orders should likewise be revoked for that reason. We overturn the remission decisions due to the Gujarat government’s assumption of authority,” the bench declared.
Implications of the Supreme Court’s Decision
With the Supreme Court dismissing the pleas of the convicts, they are now obligated to adhere to the original surrender date of January 21. This decision reaffirms the court’s commitment to ensuring that justice is served and that those responsible for heinous crimes are held accountable.
The dismissal of the applications seeking an extension of time to surrender sends a strong message that the court will not tolerate any attempts to delay or evade justice. This decision also serves as a reminder that the rule of law should prevail, and no one is above it.
Nine prisoners requested a six-week extension in their appeal, while one prisoner requested a four-week extension.
In his application, one of the prisoners, Mithilesh Bhatt, stated that he would need five to six weeks to finish the harvesting and other procedures because the winter crops he or she produced were ready.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the pleas filed by the convicts in the Bilkis Bano case seeking an extension of time to surrender is a significant development in the pursuit of justice. The court’s decision highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible for heinous crimes are held accountable.
As the convicts are now required to surrender on the original date, it is a step closer to providing closure to the survivor, Bilkis Bano, and her family members who have endured immense pain and suffering. This ruling is a testament to the resilience of the Indian judiciary in delivering justice and maintaining the integrity of the legal system.
Bakabhai Vohania, Bipin Chandra Joshi, Kesarbhai Vohania, Govind Nai, Jaswant Nai, Mitesh Bhatt, Pradeep Mordhiya, Radheshyam Shah, Rajubhai Soni, Ramesh Chandana, and Shailesh Bhatt were the eleven prisoners who were prematurely freed from prison.
It is crucial to remember that justice delayed is justice denied, and the Supreme Court’s decision serves as a reminder that no one should be allowed to escape the consequences of their actions. The dismissal of the pleas sends a strong message that the court will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the pursuit of justice.