What is bilkis bano?

Bilkis Bano is an Indian Muslim woman who was a victim of gang rape during the 2002 Gujarat Riots.

In 2002, while pregnant, she was gang-raped and several members of her family were murdered during the riots. Her case gained significant national and international attention due to the brutality of the crimes and the subsequent legal battles for justice.

Initially, the case was investigated by the local police, but due to concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the investigation, the Supreme Court of India transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

In 2008, a special CBI court convicted 11 men of gang rape and murder. They were sentenced to life imprisonment. However, in 2022, the Gujarat government approved the premature release of all 11 convicts. This decision sparked widespread outrage and protests.

Bilkis Bano filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the Gujarat government's decision to release the convicts. In January 2024, the Supreme Court of India overturned the Gujarat government's decision, ordering the convicts to return to jail. This ruling was seen as a victory for justice and a significant affirmation of the rights of victims of sexual violence.