Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Oct 18: The Special Judge and the CBI in Mumbai opposed the early release of 11 convicts who were given life sentences in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case, while the Centre and Gujarat authorities approved the proposal to do so. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court gave petitioners time to respond to the Gujarat government’s affidavit.
A Bench of Justices Ajay Rastogi and C.T. Ravikumar scheduled the next hearing on November 29.
Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal has asked for more time to submit a response. Gujarat and a representative for the accused were ordered by the court to provide copies of their reply affidavits to each of the attorneys participating in the case.
ALSO READ: Jayalalithaa death: Key report calls for probe against Sasikala, Ex-TN Minister
While the Superintendent of Police, CBI, Special Crime Branch, Mumbai, and the Special Judge (CBI) of Greater Bombay opposed the premature release, the affidavit submitted late on Monday by the State of Gujarat revealed that all the authorities in Gujarat and the Home Ministry recommended their release.
Contrary to common belief, the early release of the 11 convicts was not authorised by a circular that allowed remission to prisoners as part of the commemoration of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,” according to the State.
The State government has insisted that it adhered to the Premature Release Policy established in 1992. On August 10, 2022, the remission was granted.
