Kochi: Former Supreme Court judge V.R. Krishna Iyer on Sunday demanded public apology from retired Kerala High Court Judge R. Basant for his recent remarks against Suryanelli gang rape case victim.
“Judge Basant should withdraw his remarks and apologise to all women,” Mr. Iyer told reporters here.
Mr. Basant, along with Justice K.A. Abdul Gaffoor, delivered the judgement in the case in 2005 acquitting 35 out of the 36 accused. The Supreme Court had recently quashed the acquittal.
“There was ample evidence to show the girl was used for child prostitution, which is not rape,” Justice Basant was shown as saying on a TV channel on Saturday.
The remarks drew widespread protests across the State with the DYFI, the Yuva Morcha and women’s organisations protesting and burning his effigies in several parts of the State.
A strong police contingent has been posted at Justice Basant’s residence at Kozhikode.
PTI