‘The convict’s release is a slap on the face of the entire country’

Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal has approached the Supreme Court to stall his release. She talked to HT, explaining her reservations on the release of the convict. Excerpts: Why is the DCW against the release of the gang rape convict when he has already served his term? The Delhi High Court order says the status about the extent of reformation the convict has undergone is not clear. This is a slap on the face of the entire country. We want him to remain in custody till his mental status is not assessed, he should not be released. Why was the step to approach the SC taken so late? The DCW wrote letters against release of the convict to President of India, Chief Justice of India and others. I even met Vice President Hamid Ansari but no decision could be arrived at because everything is in the hands of the courts. So, I approached the SC with a SPL. Why the commission didn’t approach the government? The reform homes are only run by the Delhi government but beyond that the government has no jurisdiction. That is why we are approaching the Juvenile Justice Board. I had written a letter to the board, requesting them not to release him. Three years have passed but the juvenile law has not been changed I believe both state and central governments want to do it. When I met Hamid ji (vice president Hamid Ansari) he told me that the amended Bill would be presented before the Rajya Sabha in the next three days.