GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 14th Feb. The Gujarat government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court requesting a review of its recent verdict nullifying the remission granted to 11 men convicted in the Bilkis Bano case. The petition argues that certain adverse observations against the state were unjustified.
In the plea, Gujarat asserts that the apex court’s rebuke in its January 8 judgment, which accused the state of “usurpation of power” and “abuse of discretion,” was erroneous on three primary grounds. It highlights a previous ruling in May 2022, where another bench directed Gujarat to determine a convict’s remission application, indicating that the state acted within its jurisdiction. The petition contends that no adverse inference should be drawn against Gujarat for not contesting this ruling earlier.
The plea further challenges the court’s assertion that Gujarat acted in collusion with the accused, deeming it unjustified and prejudicial. It urges the court to reconsider its judgment in light of these errors.
The Supreme Court’s January 8 verdict revoked the remission granted to the 11 convicts and ordered their return to prison within two weeks. Bilkis Bano, who suffered horrifically during the 2002 Gujarat riots, was raped while pregnant, with several family members murdered. The convicts had been released on remission by the Gujarat government in August 2022.
The apex court’s criticism of Gujarat’s actions included accusations of overstepping its authority and disregarding legal norms. It deemed the remission orders null and void, citing a breach of jurisdiction and a manipulation of legal processes.
The Gujarat government’s petition seeks a review of the Supreme Court’s decision, emphasizing procedural irregularities and contesting adverse remarks against the state.
