Bombay High Court sets aside death sentences to the Shakti Mill gang-rape convicts

The Bombay High Court said public outcry cannot guide the court's judgment.

The Bombay High Court on Thursday, November 25, set aside the death sentences earlier awarded to the Shakti Mill gang-rape convicts, stating that public outcry should not guide judgment.

The HC bench said: "The Shakti Mill gang-rape case has shocked the conscience of society. A rape victim suffers not just physically but mentally as well. It is a violation of human rights. But only public outcry cannot be taken into account. A death sentence is only an exception. Judgment should not be guided by public outcry."