The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice on a bail plea filed by one of the convicts in the Bilkis Bano case, listing the matter for hearing on May 5, 2026. A Bench of Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Vijay Bishnoi sought responses from the States of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The plea arises from the 2002 Bilkis Bano case, which relates to the gang rape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of several members of her family during the Gujarat riots. The case was later transferred to Maharashtra by the Supreme Court to ensure a fair trial, resulting in the conviction of multiple accused and the imposition of life sentences.

In the present proceedings, one of the convicts has approached the Court seeking bail. The Court issued notice and scheduled the matter for further hearing on May 5, 2026.

Appearances

Sidharth Luthra, Sr adv, Sonia Mathur, Sr adv and Adv Ayush Anand, for the petitioner.