This is what justice feels like: Bilkis Bano on Supreme Court verdict
Bilkis Bano said after the Supreme Court on Monday quashed the remission granted to 11 men convicted of raping her and murdering seven members of her family during the 2002 riots in Gujarat. While quashing the Gujarat government's decision to grant remission, the apex court also said the state government's order was «stereotyped» and passed without application of mind.
In a statement issued through her lawyer Shobha Gupta, Bano thanked the top court for the verdict and said «today is truly the New Year for me».
«I have wept tears of relief. I have smiled for the first time in over a year and half. I have hugged my children.
It feels like a stone the size of a mountain has been lifted from my chest, and I can breathe again,» Bano said.
«This is what justice feels like. I thank the honourable Supreme Court of India for giving me, my children and women everywhere this vindication and hope in the promise of equal justice for all,» Bano said.
Accusing the Gujarat government of abusing its power, the Supreme Court also ordered that the 11 men be sent back to jail within two weeks.
In the statement, Bano also said that journeys like that of hers can never be made alone.
«I have had my husband and my children by my side.
I have had my friends who have given me so much love at a time of such hate, and held my hand at each difficult turn. I have had an extraordinary lawyer, Advocate Shobha Gupta, who has walked with me unwaveringly for over 20 long years, and who never allowed me to lose hope in the idea of justice,» she said.
She said that «a year and half ago, on August 15, 2022, when those who had destroyed my family and terrorised my very existence, were given an early release, I simply collapsed».
