Bilkis Bano Case: Supreme Court adjourns the case hearing till July 11

Today, the Bilkis Bano case was scheduled for a final hearing in the Supreme Court but could not take place due to the disputes raised by the lawyers appearing for some convicts against Bano’s affidavit regarding service of notice. The case was heard by a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court including Justice BV Nagarathna, and Justice KM Joseph. Earlier this year, Bilkis Bano approached the Supreme Court against the Gujarat Government’s decision to allow premature release of 11 convicts in the 2002 Gujarat riots. Advocates (for convicts) objected to an affidavit seeking to declare deemed service on the basis that respondents refused the notice. Further, it was argued that Bano made a false claim in the affidavit about the respondents that they were refusing to accept the service. In this context, the convict’s counsel claimed that Bano “played fraud on the court” and asked to take criminal action against her. These allegations were denied by Advocate Shobha Gupta (Bano’s lawyer) and the Advocate mentioned that affidavit was filed on grounds of postal endorsements. As per these objections, the bench adjourned the case hearing till July 11 and ordered to list the case after two weeks for ensuring service completion. During the proceedings, Justice Joseph said, “It is clear what is being attempted here. I will retire on June 19. Since that is during the vacation, my last working day is Friday, May 19. It is obvious you do not want this bench to hear the matter. But, this is not fair to me. We had made it absolutely clear that the matter will be heard for disposal. You are officers of the court. Do not forget that role. You may win a case, or lose one. But, do not forget your duty to this court.”

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