Bus rapists in appeal against death sentence

The brutal attack in December sparked public debate and fury over chronic sexual violence faced by women in India.

The High Court in New Delhi said it would begin hearing prosecution arguments today, while defence solicitors file their appeals.

“We have to deal with this as expeditiously as possible because the sword of death is hanging over them,” Judge Pratibha Rani said.

It could take weeks or months for the court to hear arguments, review evidence and consider the appeals before deciding whether to confirm the execution orders.

The four had been joyriding through New Delhi on a bus on the night of December 16 when they lured the 23-year-old woman and her male friend into getting on board.

They then beat the friend, took turns raping the woman and abusing her. She died from internal injuries two weeks later.