A claim has been circulating about Pralhad Joshi, who took charge as India’s new Union Education Minister, that he had in 2022 publicly defended the premature release of the 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gang rape case. Following his appointment, such remarks have been drawing a lot of attention from opposition leaders and civil society groups.
Why Did Pralhad Joshi Become Education Minister?
Pralhad Joshi‘s appointment followed the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan on July 25, 2026. Pradhan stepped down amid weeks of nationwide, youth-led protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination process. His exit was one of the central demands of the demonstrations, which had grown into a significant challenge for the government.
What Did Pralhad Joshi Say About the Bilkis Bano Convicts’ Release?
In October 2022, when he was Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Joshi was asked about the early release of the 11 men convicted in the Bilkis Bano case. He told reporters, “I find nothing wrong in it as it is a process of law,” according to a report carried by NDTV on October 18, 2022. He added that the law provided for release of convicts who had served a significant period in prison. So Yes, instead of revolting or pointing out dissatisfaction against release of convicts involved in such heinous crimes, he said that he found “nothing wrong” with the release of those all 11 convicts.
What Is the Bilkis Bano Case?
Bilkis Bano was gang raped during the 2002 Gujarat riots while she was pregnant. Several members of her family, including her three-year-old daughter, were killed by a mob. A CBI special court sentenced 11 men to life imprisonment in the case on January 21, 2008.
On August 15, 2022, the Gujarat government granted the 11 convicts remission and ordered their release, citing their conduct in prison and the completion of over 14 years in custody. The decision followed a May 2022 Supreme Court order that had held Gujarat was the appropriate state to decide on remission. The release drew sharp criticism after the convicts were seen being welcomed with garlands outside Godhra sub-jail.
Timeline of the Bilkis Bano Case
| Date | Event |
| March 3, 2002 | Bilkis Bano and her family attacked during Gujarat riots |
| January 21, 2008 | CBI special court sentences 11 men to life imprisonment |
| August 15, 2022 | Gujarat government releases all 11 convicts |
| October 18, 2022 | Pralhad Joshi defends the release, calling it lawful |
| January 8, 2024 | Supreme Court quashes the remission order |
| July 25, 2026 | Pralhad Joshi appointed Union Education Minister |
What Happened After the Supreme Court Verdict?
Bilkis Bano and other petitioners, including CPI(M) leader Subhashini Ali and journalist Revati Laul, challenged the remission before the Supreme Court. In January 2024, the Supreme Court quashed the Gujarat government’s August 2022 remission order and directed the convicts to surrender. The 11 convicts were ordered back to prison. On January 8, 2024, the Supreme Court of India canceled their early release and ordered them to return to jail within two weeks. The court ruled that the Gujarat government did not have the legal power to free the men because the trial took place in Maharashtra. The court stated that the previous 2022 release order was obtained by hiding important facts.
Are those 11 convicts of bilkins bano case are still in jail?
Yes, the 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case are back in prison. After being released in August 2022, they surrendered at the Godhra sub-jail in January 2024 following a Supreme Court order.
Why Has Pralhad Joshi’s 2022 Remark Resurfaced Now?
Following Joshi’s appointment as Education Minister, several social media users and opposition commentators pointed to his 2022 remarks defending the convicts’ release. Supporters of the government have noted that Joshi’s comments at the time reflected the official position taken by the Gujarat and central governments, both of which defended the remission before the Supreme Court.
Critics argue that a minister overseeing an education portfolio should reflect on past statements concerning a case involving sexual violence. The BJP has not issued a fresh statement specifically addressing the renewed attention on Joshi’s 2022 comments.
Pralhad Joshi’s move to the Education Ministry has brought back scrutiny of his 2022 remarks on the Bilkis Bano case, even as the Supreme Court has since overturned the decision he had defended. As Joshi settles into the education portfolio amid the NEET-UG controversy, his past comments are likely to remain a point of political debate.