New Delhi: Bilkis Bano, a survivor of gang rape during the 2002 Gujarat riots, expressed her joy and gratitude after the Supreme Court set aside the state government’s order to grant remission to 11 convicts in her case. The apex court also ordered the convicts to surrender within two weeks and resume their sentences.
Bano, who had challenged the Gujarat government’s decision in the SC, said that she felt “a stone the size of a mountain” had been lifted from her chest. She thanked the SC for giving her “support and hope” and ensuring equal justice for all. She also acknowledged the role of her family, friends, lawyer, and thousands of people who stood by her and supported her cause.
Bano said she was devastated when the convicts were released on August 15, 2022, but she did not give up on her fight for justice. She said she was grateful to the people who wrote appeals, open letters, and petitions to the SC on her behalf. She said she fought for herself and every woman in India.
