Is Liberation of 11 Hard Core Criminals fair?

The 2002 Muslim Genocide in Gujarat, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, was considered one of the worst in human history.

On the occasion of India's 76th Independence Day celebrations, 11 prisoners, including 5 policemen and 2 doctors sentenced to life imprisonment in the case of the gang-rape of Bilgis Bano and the murder of 7 others in Gujarat, were released from Godhra jail.

In June, the central government had written to all the states regarding the cancellation of the convicts' sentences. It stated that convicts serving life imprisonment and rape cases should not be pardoned. However, the Gujarat government took the decision to quash their sentence.

On 23 January 2014, the Gujarat Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines and policies on amnesty and early release. It clearly states that no amnesty will be granted to those convicted of gang murder and rape or gang rape of two or more persons. But under the 1992 policy, the government of Gujarat has argued that pardons and acquittals are granted with the permission of the court.

It is not clear how the Gujarat government committee decided to quash the convicts' sentences and acquit them in this case.

An empowered committee set up by the Gujarat government should not have exercised that power indiscriminately. The committee should have looked not only at the conduct of the prisoner but also at the nature of the offence. Given the nature of the crime, how could a conscientious committee have taken such a decision? 

Bilgis Bano spoke for the first time about the release of 11 people: When I heard that 11 criminals who ruined my family and my life were released, the shock of the last 20 years shook me again.

 No one inquired about my safety before taking such a hugely unjust decision. I request Gujarat Government, please withdraw this judgment.Give me back my right to live in peace without fear. Please make sure my family and I are safe'' Thus she requested.

 The release of these 11 prisoners is currently creating turmoil across the country. All parties are recording their protest. Rahul Gandhi came out very harsh.

"Those who raped a 5-month pregnant woman and killed a 3-year-old girl were acquitted during the 'Independence Day ‘Amrit Mahotsav’. 

What is the message given to the women of the country by those who talk about 'female power'? Prime Minister, the whole country is watching the difference between your words and actions," Rahul Gandhi posted.
 

Apart from that, those who came out of the jail were welcomed with auspicious lamp and rituals,celebrated with sweets. This is seen as an act that lowers the dignity of our Indian nation in the world.

 This act of Gujarat state government is a challenge to the conscience of the country. All democratic forces should unite against this atrocity!