Calling the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case “the rarest of the rare”, the Supreme Court on Friday upheld the Delhi High Court verdict to award the death sentence to all four convicts.
The SC, pronouncing the verdict, said, "Taking the serious injuries, the severe nature of offence committed by the convicts, we are upholding the sentence."
The visibly ecstatic parents of victim Jyoti Singh – who was called Nirbhaya by the nation – were seen outside the Supreme Court premises soon after the verdict was pronounced. Her father Badri Singh hailed the SC order as “a victory for the family”.
Nirbhaya’s father said he was very happy with the judgement, despite the fact that the judgement was delayed.
‘Victory For Everyone’
Nirbhaya's mother Asha Devi hailed the verdict saying that she wants to thank everyone who has stood by her. She also labelled the verdict as a “victory for everyone”.
There were many ups and downs and I made them my strength. I was confident that justice would be done.Asha Devi, Nirbhaya’s Mother
‘Wish It Had Come Sooner’
Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Maneka Gandhi, welcomed the order, saying that the judges need to keep in mind that justice delayed is justice denied. However, she was happy that justice prevailed.
"I am happy that the verdict has been upheld though I wish it had come sooner,” said Maneka Gandhi.
Convicts’ Lawyer Says Justice Not Done
AP Singh, the lawyer who has been presenting the case on behalf of the four convicts, said that justice was not done and that he will be filing a review petition once the court order is out. “In order to give a message to society, the court has forgotten about human rights,” said the lawyer, after the verdict was upheld.
Delhi Police Proven Right
Spokesperson of the Delhi police, Deependra Pathak, calling the SC pronouncement an important verdict, also added that the investigation done by the Delhi police stands vindicated.
‘Fight of Every Nirbhaya In the Country’
Delhi Commission for Women Chief Swati Maliwal welcomed the SC verdict, calling it an important verdict and a personal fight for every Nirbhaya in the country.
The SC verdict giving death sentence to all the four rapists, has in a way emboldened the Nirbhayas of the country and given a very tight slap to every rapist.Swati Maliwal, Chief, Delhi Commission for Women
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