Verdict will act as deterrent to criminals: Nirbhaya's parents

As the jam-packed courtroom flooded with applause after the judges upheld the death penalty to the convicts in Nirbhaya gang-rape, tears trickled down the face of Nirbhaya's mother and father.

Their nearly four-year long penance finally bore fruit as the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence awarded to the four convicts.

"Yes we got justice. We have moved a step ahead. Though I was a bit sceptical, I am relieved that the court finally upheld the death penalty. After God, all our hopes rested with the court and finally we feel relieved," said Nirbhaya's mother. With over two dozen reporters and photographers surrounding her, she calmly and briefly addressed the media. "There is lot more to be done, girls are still being raped but I am sure this landmark judgment would act as a deterrent to criminals," she said.

Nirbhaya's father says that justice has been finally been delivered. "We wanted them hanged. We will appeal to the President and Prime Minister to do whatever in their capacity to hang them at the earliest. Our faith in Judiciary has been restored with the verdict," said Nirbhaya's father.