Convicts in Bilkis Bano rape case ask the Supreme Court for an extension on their surrender deadline

10 of the 11 convicts of the Bilkis Bano case have moved the Supreme Court on Thursday, seeking an extension on their surrender deadline. This comes after the apex court revoked their early release order, sending them back to jail. Reasons such as physical ailments, family functions, dependent parents, and agricultural commitments have been cited asking for an extension of 4-6 weeks.

The Supreme Court has agreed to consider the pleas of three convicts in the Bilkis Bano case, who are seeking an extension of the surrender deadline. Senior lawyer V Chitambaresh urged an expedited hearing, highlighting the imminent deadline of January 21 for surrender. Justice BV Nagarathna instructed the registry to seek Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's approval to form a bench, including Justice Ujjal Bhuiyan, to hear the petitions on Friday. 

In his plea to the Supreme Court, Govindbhai Nai, employed as a barber, has stated that he serves as the primary caregiver for his 88-year-old bedridden father and 75-year-old mother, both of whom are entirely dependent on him. Additionally, he has mentioned his responsibility for the financial well-being of his two children. The 55-year-old also mentioned his health concerns, noting asthma and a recent surgery. Nai claims that since his release from prison, he has adhered to the law and complied with the terms and conditions of the release order. On the other hand, Ramesh Chandana informed the Supreme Court that he requires time for his son's wedding, while Mitesh Bhatt has cited commitments related to the harvest season.

Seeking an extension, Pradip Madanlal Modhiya has stated that he has recently undergone lung surgery and he needs time to recover in the aftermath of the medical procedure. Bipinchand Kaniyalal Joshi has also cited similar physical ailments in his plea. Jaswant Chaturbhai Nai has moved the Supreme Court asking for an extension owing to the harvest of winter crops.

 
Bilkis Bano, at the age of 21, was pregnant when a mob attacked her and her family and she was gang raped during the 2002 riots. She, along with two of her children, were the sole survivors of the assault. However, the convicts were given a remission by the Gujarat government and released on August 15, 2022. The convicts who were given remission are Jaswant Nai, Govindbhai Nai, Shailesh Bhatt, Radhyesham Shah, Bipin Chandra Joshi, Kesarbhai Vohania, Pradeep Mordhiya, Bakabhai Vohania, Rajubhai Soni, Mitesh Bhatt and Ramesh Chandana.

The Supreme Court on January 8 overturned the Gujarat government's decision to provide remission to the 11 men involved in the gang rape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of seven members of her family. The court had instructed the convicts to surrender within 2 weeks, that is, by January 22.​