“We are satisfied that there is no error apparent on the face of the record or any merit in the review petitions, warranting reconsideration of the order impugned," the court said.
: He questions the propriety of order quashing their remission of sentence
The apex court asked the 11 convicts to surrender on January 21, stating that the reasons cited for extending the time to surrender were without merit.
The apex court on January 8 quashed the Gujarat government’s decision to grant remission of sentence to 11 convicts undergoing life imprisonment in the case,
The top court directed all the 11 convicts to report to jail authorities within two weeks.
The apex court has now posted the matter for directions on May 9 and said that case will be listed for hearing in July.
The apex court said when remission is considered in such heinous crimes affecting the society at large, the power must be exercised keeping in mind public interest.
The top court also directed that the pleadings in the case to be completed by the next date of hearing.
The Gujarat government had granted remission to 11 convicts on August 10 last year following which they walked free on August 15, 2022.
The Supreme Court will constitute a bench to hear a plea challenging the pre-mature release of 11 convicts who had gang-raped Bilkis Bano.
