The case of Bilkis Yakub Rasool v. Union of India and Others was a significant and widely followed legal matter concerning the remission of sentences of convicts in a high-profile criminal case. This case was decided by a division bench of the Supreme Court of India comprising Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice B V Nagarathna.
Background of the Case:
Bilkis Yakub Rasool, a victim of the 2002 Gujarat riots, filed a petition challenging the premature release of 11 convicts who were sentenced to life imprisonment for gang-raping her and murdering several members of her family during the riots. The Gujarat government had granted remission to these convicts in 2022, which sparked nationwide debate and legal scrutiny.
Legal Issues Raised:
1. Whether the Gujarat government had the jurisdiction to grant remission when the trial had taken place in Maharashtra.
2. Whether the release of the convicts met the guidelines and procedural requirements of remission under the law.
3. The relevance of public conscience and the gravity of the crime in deciding remission applications.
Supreme Court’s Bench:
The bench of Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice B V Nagarathna heard the case and issued a verdict that garnered attention for its impact on justice, public policy, and the victim's rights.
Conclusion:
The matter was decided by the Supreme Court bench consisting of Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice B V Nagarathna, highlighting the judiciary's role in overseeing executive decisions involving fundamental rights and legal procedures.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice B V Nagarathna.