According to a court document, the home ministry allowed the early release of 11 individuals who had been convicted of gang-raping Bilkis Bano and killing her family during the Gujarat riots in 2002 within two weeks, despite opposition from the CBI and a special court.
The men were released because they had served 14 years in prison and had been judged to have good behavior, the Gujarat government informed the Supreme Court on Monday. The center had also expressed its approval.
The declaration states that on June 28, 2022, the state requested the center’s consent for the remission of the 11 prisoners, which the ministry approved on July 11.
Under an antiquated state government remission policy, the prisoners were released on July 4th, sparking a massive political uproar. Although the Union Home Ministry must approve such disclosures, the state’s lack of clarification over the clearance has left it in a murky area.
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According to the affidavit given to the Supreme Court, a letter dated 11.07.2022 from the Union Home Ministry permitted the premature release. In the letter from the ministry, it was stated that “the Central government’s concurrence/approval under section 435 of the CrPc for the premature release” was given.
Three petitions opposing the men’s release are being heard by the supreme court. According to a document, their early release was rejected by the CBI and a special civil judge.
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