SC rejects Azam Khan’s apology on Bulandshahar gangrape remarks

Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, December 7

The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected Uttar Pradesh Urban Development Minister Azam Khan’s apology for allegedly hurting the sentiments of two gangrape victims — a woman and her 14-year-old daughter.

A bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy accepted the objections by Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi and amicus curiae Fali S Nariman that Khan’s apology was not in accordance with the apex court’s November 17 order.

Rohatgi and Nariman pointed out that Khan had offered a conditional and qualified apology by explaining that media had misquoted him and his intention was not to cast aspersions on the victims. Khan should file a single sentence affidavit offering unconditional apology, they contended.

Appearing for Khan, senior advocate Kapil Sibal said his client was ready to withdraw the affidavit and file a fresh one but the minister should be allowed to express remorse for the remarks instead of tendering an apology.

The bench said the plea was open to arguments next week.

The victims were driving on the night of July 29 from Noida to Shahjahanpur when criminal elements attacked the car and committed the crime on National Highway 91 near Bulandshahr.

The teenager’s father has filed a PIL in SC pleading for registration of an FIR against Khan.