*September 26, 2024 – New Delhi*In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed the review petition filed by the Gujarat government regarding the court’s earlier observations against it in the Bilkis Bano case. This decision follows the Supreme Court’s previous judgment that set aside the remission granted to the convicts involved in the gang rape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of her family members during the 2002 Gujarat riots.The dismissal of the review petition reinforces the Supreme Court’s stance on the gravity of the crimes committed against Bano, who was five months pregnant at the time of the attack. The court had previously criticized the Gujarat government’s decision to grant early release to the convicts, stating that it undermined the principles of justice and accountability.Bilkis Bano’s case has drawn national and international attention, highlighting issues of women’s safety and the judicial process in cases of sexual violence. The Supreme Court’s latest ruling is expected to bolster ongoing discussions about justice for victims of such heinous crimes and the need for stringent legal measures to ensure their protection.The Gujarat government has faced significant backlash from various quarters for its handling of the case, and this ruling further complicates its position regarding the remission policy for serious offenses.