The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Justice for Bilkis

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Tuesday, Jan 22, 2008
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Justice for Bilkis

The conviction of 12 persons (life sentence for 11 of them and three years’ rigorous imprisonment for one) for the gang rape of Bilkis Bano and the massacre of other members of her family during the post-Godhra riots of 2002 is no doubt welcome. But the pace at which the case proceeded is a matter of concern. Sensitive cases such as that of Bilkis disturb the affected group.

When the trial is prolonged and the case is constantly highlighted in the media, the normalisation process gets affected. It also offers scope to the accused to influence witnesses.

Umesh Mynalli,

Hospet

* * *

Bilkis Bano, a barely educated pregnant village girl, witnesses the murder of 14 relatives, including her own daughter, at the hands of neighbours she calls uncle. She herself is raped repeatedly and left to die. She survives and with a most understanding husband seeks justice. To prevent a repeat of the Zahira Shaikh case, she goes into hiding for over five years. Eminent lawyers Harish Salve and Gagan Sethi stand by her under the most difficult Gujarat circumstances. The Supreme Court hears her cry for justice, and transfers the case to Mumbai, bringing in the CBI. Finally, justice embraces her, late but pure.

Here is a true daughter of Mother India. Through horror and trauma, she never lost faith in this land and the Constitution. She is one redeeming figure in the tragedy of 2002. Let us salute a Bharat Ratna.

J.S. Bandukwala,

Vadodara

* * *

Bilkis Bano is a face of the Gujarat riots in particular and communal riots in general. In fact, there are numerous cases like hers that go unnoticed and the victims suffer silently. Thanks to the judiciary for delivering justice in the Bilkis Bano case. We salute Bilkis who braved harassment through six years of trial. It is the Bilkis Banos of the country who keep the battle for justice alive.

S. Ananthi,

Mumbai

* * *

When a rapist is convicted, we hail the sentence and claim that justice is done. The media highlight the issue for some time. But the fact that it takes years to implement the sentence, in a way, distorts the criminal justice system. Those sentenced for rape should have no right to appeal in the higher courts once their culpability is proved beyond doubt. I am sure there are numerous Bilkis Banos in our country who remain unknown for want of publicity.

N. Divakar,

Mysore

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