In a statement released following the Supreme Court verdict, Bilkis Bano, through her advocate, expressed, “Today marks a true New Year for me. Tears of relief have flowed, and I found myself smiling for the first time in over a year and a half. I embraced my children, sensing the lifting of a burden as massive as a mountain from my chest. I can breathe freely again. This is the essence of justice. My heartfelt gratitude to the honorable Supreme Court of India for granting me, my children, and women everywhere this validation and renewed hope in the promise of equal justice for all.”
She extended her thanks to those who supported her, stating, “Journeys like mine are never solitary. My husband and children stood by me. Friends provided immense love during times of hate and accompanied me through each challenging turn. I had an exceptional lawyer, Advocate Shobha Gupta, who stood steadfastly by me for over two decades, never allowing me to lose hope in the pursuit of justice.”
Reflecting on the moments of despair following the remission, she recalled, “A year and a half ago, on August 15, 2022, when those who had shattered my family and instilled terror in my existence were released early, I felt shattered. I believed I had depleted my reserves of courage until a multitude of solidarity reached me. Ordinary people and women across India came forward, stood with me, spoke on my behalf, and filed PIL petitions in the Supreme Court. Thousands of individuals and 8,500 from Mumbai penned appeals; 10,000 people wrote an open letter, and 40,000 from 29 districts of Karnataka joined in. To each of these individuals, my gratitude for your invaluable solidarity and strength. You fueled my will to fight, to uphold the idea of justice not just for me but for every woman in India. I thank you. As I absorb the profound impact of this verdict on my life and my children’s lives, the prayer that resonates from my heart today is simple – the supremacy of the rule of law above all and equality before the law for all.”
