Stalin says SC verdict in Bilkis Bano case gives solace, shows BJP's double standards

In his reaction to the top court's verdict in the sensational case, Stalin said justice has eventually prevailed and it has brought solace.

Chennai: Terming as “a ray of hope in the midst of darkness” Supreme Court quashing Gujarat government's decision to grant remission and early release to 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano rape case, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said the verdict has brought to public the BJP “bending the law” to help the accused. 

Stalin, who is also the DMK President, also accused the BJP of politicising legal release of prisoners who have spent long years in jail in Opposition-ruled states, referring to Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi not granting his approval to the state government’s proposal in this regard.

"It is comforting that justice has finally been delivered to Bilkis Banu. The Supreme Court's judgment is a ray of hope in the midst of darkness,” Stalin said in a post on X.

“The Supreme Court making it clear that the BJP government in Gujarat sided with the accused by hiding the truth has brought to the fore how the law was bent to help them,” the Chief Minister, whose DMK was part of the BJP-led NDA when 2002 Gujarat riots took place, added. 

In Opposition-ruled states, legal attempts to release long-term inmates on the basis of good conduct and seniority are being blocked which is a clear example of their double standards. 

“The success that Bilkis Bano has now tasted after a long journey for justice will give every victim a boost and courage to fight. Her fearless and tireless struggle will live on in history,” Stalin added.