Bilkis Bano has approached the Supreme Court challenging the release of 11 men convicted of gang-raping her during the 2002 Gujarat riots.
The convicts walked free on August 15 after the Gujarat government ordered their release under its remission policy. The move sparked nationwide criticism with many questioning the state government's decision.
On Wednesday, the top court said it will consider the matter for hearing. A bench comprising Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice P.S. Narasimha took note of the submissions of lawyer Shobha Gupta that the survivor herself has challenged the grant of remission and release of the convicts, and the matter be listed for hearing.
The gang-rape case also involves the killing of seven of Bano's family members. Bano was gang-raped while fleeing the riots that broke out after the Godhra train burning incident. Her three-year-old daughter was among the seven of her family who were killed.
Court documents submitted before the apex court by the Gujarat government earlier said that the release of 11 convicted men was approved by the Home Ministry within two weeks. The CBI and a special court had opposed the clearance. The Gujarat government sought the Centre's approval on June 28 and the nod came on July 11, the affidavit added.
The CBI, too, had opposed their release stating that the offence committed was "heinous, grave and serious" and hence they "cannot be released prematurely and no leniency may be given" to them.
