Meet Seema Kushwaha, The Lawyer Who Fought For Nirbhaya’s Justice & Prevailed

On December 12, 2012, the brutal gang-rape and subsequent death of a 23-year-old medical student shook the nation. The shocking details of the brutalities committed by the six rapists led to the eruption of mass protests throughout the country. We have had enough, and we demanded justice. Seven long years later, Nirbhaya’s (as she was called by the media) rapists were finally sent to the gallows today at 5:30 am.

And it is all because of the brave woman who fought long and hard to ensure that justice was meted to Nirbhaya’s parents. Meet Seema Kushwaha, Nirbhaya’s parents’ lawyer, who stood by their side and finally emerged victorious, seven years later. 

Also Read: 2012 To 2020: Nirbhaya’s Rapists To Be Hanged This Month, India Reacts To Delayed Verdict

Speaking to the media about her victory, she said, “The way they had committed the heinous crime, even animals don’t do such crimes. Since that day, I had decided that I will bring justice to her. I am satisfied that I accomplished what I had decided. They received the maximum punishment that they should have been received.”

She added, “It would have been a happy day if we would have been able to save Nirbhaya. Today, I am satisfied that justice has been served.”

Seema graduated from Delhi University in 2014 and was still in training when she took up the case. She is presently preparing for the civil services and aspires to be an IAS officer. This is the first case that she took up, and we’re sure she has a very bright future ahead.

Also Read: Here’s How India Has NOT Changed 5 Years Since The Nirbhaya Incident

She Was Responsible For Fast-Tracking Convicts’ Execution

While the convicts were sentenced to death in 2013, their execution order didn’t come until January 2020. This was owing to a number of factors, but largely because the convicts’ were filing pleas in higher courts in order to delay the order. The judges who were to hear the case were also transferred, and justice was being consistently delayed. Hence, Seema approached the Patiala House Court to expedite the procedure for the hanging of the four rapists. In January, the courts announced the final execution order.

Twitter Applauds The Woman Of The Hour

After the news of the hanging of the convicts broke out, netizens took to Twitter to express their relief, and to congratulate Seema for making it happen.

The Nirbhaya case was an example of justice delayed, but not denied. However, India still has a long way to go when it comes to women’s safety. If a high-profile case like this one took over seven years to wrap up, we can only guess how other cases are faring.  If India truly wants to step up for its women, we need to ensure that a proper legal system is in place, including the fast-tracking of ALL cases of rape and sexual assault. We can’t fail our women again. We need to do better.

Featured Image: Twitter

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