Forum of Legal Professionals applauds landmark verdict in Bilkis Bano case

Visakhapatnam: The Forum of Legal Professionals has expressed its elation regarding the recent Supreme Court judgment in the Bilkis Bano case, terming it a landmark victory for justice and a testament to the unwavering spirit of resilience.

Forum president, Kuppili Muralidhar, lauded the Court's upholding of the rule of law by overturning the controversial remission granted to the 11 convicts involved in the brutal gangrape and murder of Bilkis Bano's family members in 2002. He commended Bilkis Bano's unwavering pursuit of justice throughout the arduous legal journey, despite facing immense challenges and emotional trauma.

"Justices B.V. Nagratna and Ujjal Bhuyan have affirmed the Supreme Court's unwavering commitment to upholding the law and protecting the vulnerable," Muralidhar remarked. He emphasised that the Gujarat government's decision to release the convicts on Independence Day 2022 through a misapplication of the remission policy constituted a clear overreach of authority.

Underscoring the significance of the Court's ruling, Muralidhar pointed out that the trial and sentencing of the convicts had rightfully occurred in Maharashtra. Therefore, the Gujarat government's order for their release was deemed erroneous and a violation of due process.

"We urge the Maharashtra government to promptly implement the Supreme Court's judgment and ensure that the convicted individuals serve their full sentences for the heinous crimes they committed," Muralidhar stated.