In a recent development in the Bilkis Bano gang rape case, one of the convicts, Govindhbhai Nai, has approached the Supreme Court seeking an extension of four weeks to surrender before the concerned jail authorities. The apex court had earlier directed Nai and ten other convicts to surrender within two weeks, following its January 8 order.

Nai, in his plea for an extension, has cited ill health and domestic responsibilities as reasons for seeking additional time. According to his submission, Nai's father is currently bedridden and heavily dependent on him. Additionally, Nai recently underwent an angiography and is scheduled for another operation to address 'Hemorrhoids,' further complicating his health situation.

The eleven convicts involved in the case were found guilty of raping Bilkis Bano and murdering her family members during the Gujarat riots of 2002. However, on August 14, 2023, the convicts were released from prison ahead of completing their full imprisonment sentence. The Gujarat government granted remission of their sentence based on a May 2022 judgment, which emphasized the consideration of remission policies according to the state where the crime occurred.

This decision by the Gujarat government faced legal challenges, with various petitioners, including Bilkis Bano, challenging the release in the Supreme Court. In response, the Supreme Court bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan, on January 8, quashed the remission granted by the Gujarat government. The court concluded that the state did not have the authority to apply its remission policy to the eleven convicts, directing them to surrender within two weeks.

In the latest update, two more convicts, Ramesh Rupabhai Chandana and Mitesh Chimanlal Bhat, have also moved the Supreme Court seeking an extension of time to surrender. Chandana has requested an additional six weeks, citing his son's impending marriage as a responsibility he needs to fulfill. On the other hand, Bhat seeks a six-week extension, explaining that his winter produce is ready for harvest, and he prefers to complete the process before surrendering.