Bilkis Bano case: SC to hear arguments on pleas challenging premature release of 11 convicts on Oct 9

The Supreme Court has scheduled arguments on October 9 regarding petitions challenging the premature release of 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case and murder of her family members during the 2002 Gujarat riots. The court has asked the petitioners, including Bilkis Bano, to file their short written rejoinder arguments. The court also questioned whether convicts have a fundamental right to seek remission, stating that state governments should not be selective in granting remission to convicts. Several other PILs have challenged the relief granted to the convicts.