Advocate Shobha Gupta’s: Bilkis Bano’s Triumph and the Road to Senior Position
In a groundbreaking move, the Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, recently elevated 56 lawyers to senior positions, including Advocate-on-Record (AoR) Shobha Gupta. Gupta, a driving force behind Bilkis Bano’s pursuit of justice, has been promoted in recognition of her exceptional legal contributions.
Gupta’s remarkable journey with Bilkis Bano‘s case began in 2003, driven by the profound injustice faced by the Gujarat riots and gang rape survivor. The Supreme Court’s recent verdict, ordering the re-incarceration of 11 convicts who had been granted remission in August 2022, marked a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for Bano.
In a 2019 interview, AoR Gupta shared her motivation for taking up the case, describing it as “painful” and emphasizing her willingness to stand up for justice. The case involved challenging a closure report that contradicted Bano’s self-narrated account, a critical moment that led Gupta to file a writ petition.
The legal battle extended over two decades, witnessing significant victories, including the conviction of 11 persons in 2008, the Bombay High Court upholding the trial court’s judgment in 2017, and the Supreme Court’s recent order for the convicts to return to jail in 2024.
Throughout the challenging process, AoR Gupta highlighted Bano’s extraordinary courage and determination, emphasizing the grave nature of her case. Bano’s resilience served as an inspiration, instilling confidence in the legal team, which fought against a system that had failed her.
Notably, the recent Supreme Court verdict also mandated the Gujarat government to pay a historic Rs 50 Lakh exemplary compensation to Bano, marking the largest such compensation ever awarded to a survivor of communal and sexual violence. This achievement, coupled with AoR Gupta’s promotion, underscores the significance of their collective efforts in seeking justice.
Advocate Shobha Gupta’s elevation to a senior position in the Supreme Court reflects not only her commitment to Bilkis Bano’s case but also her broader engagement with human rights and women-related issues. This promotion recognizes her resilience, dedication, and significant contributions to the legal fraternity.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The shethepeople
