DELHI, INDIA – The Delhi High Court has overturned the early release of two men convicted in the gang-rape of a Muslim woman, according to the lawyer handling the case. The decision comes after significant public outrage and protests against the court’s earlier ruling.
The incident occurred in January 2013 when the victim, a 23-year-old woman, was assaulted by a group of men while traveling on a public bus in Delhi. She died from her injuries less than two weeks later, triggering nationwide protests and global condemnation.
The two men, who were juveniles at the time of the crime, were sentenced to three years in a correctional facility in 2013. However, the court recently granted them early release, stating that they had served their sentence. This decision sparked widespread anger and raised concerns about the protection of women in India.
Following the backlash, the lawyer representing the victim’s family petitioned the Delhi High Court to overturn the ruling. The court has now acquitted the two men, emphasizing that their release was premature as they had not completed the maximum punishment of three years in custody.
The decision has been hailed by women’s rights activists and organizations, who argue that it sends a strong message about the importance of upholding justice for victims of sexual violence. They believe that the court’s earlier ruling undermined the severity of the crime and failed to serve as a deterrent.
India has been grappling with the issue of sexual violence and the mistreatment of women for years. Despite major reforms to the legal system and the introduction of stricter laws, the country continues to witness cases of rape and sexual assault. Activists argue that cultural attitudes and societal norms contribute to a culture of impunity for perpetrators.
The overturning of the early release ruling is a significant step towards addressing the concerns of women’s rights advocates. It highlights the need for a more robust judicial system that prioritizes the safety and well-being of victims, while also ensuring that perpetrators face appropriate consequences for their actions.
In summary, the Delhi High Court has quashed the early release of two men convicted in the gang-rape of a Muslim woman. The decision was met with public outrage and protests, leading to a petition by the victim’s family. This reversal of the earlier ruling reflects the ongoing struggle to combat sexual violence in India and the importance of delivering justice to victims.