New Delhi (India), December 29 (HBTV): The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Delhi High Court’s order allowing suspension of the life sentence of 2017 Unnao rape convict Kuldeep Sengar and granting him bail.
A three-judge vacation bench of the apex court, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, heard the Central Bureau of Investigation’s plea challenging the Delhi High Court decision. The Supreme Court stayed the High Court’s order, noting that Sengar remains in custody in another case, and said he shall not be released from jail.
The bench, comprising the Chief Justice of India and Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.G. Masih, also issued notice to Sengar, seeking his response to the CBI plea within two weeks. ‘We are informed that the convict is also convicted and sentenced under Section 304 of the IPC and that he is still in custody in that case. Considering such peculiar circumstances in the case, we stay the operation of the impugned order passed by the High Court. The respondent shall not be released,’ the Chief Justice observed.
Hemant Kumar Maurya, an advocate representing the victim’s side, said, ‘I would like to thank the Supreme Court today. The victim also wants to express her gratitude. The Supreme Court has issued a strong order stating that the accused will not be released from jail in any case, and the order granting relief has been stayed. The opposition has been given time to file a counter-affidavit, and until then, he will not be released from jail under any circumstances.’
Congress leader and women’s activist Mumtaz Patel said, ‘We are hopeful now that justice will be given to the Unnao victim. Kuldeep Sengar should be given the death sentence. A new law should come in which rapists are awarded capital punishment.’
The Delhi High Court, in its December 23 order, had suspended Sengar’s life sentence pending appeal and granted him bail. Expelled Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sengar was convicted in December 2019 in the Unnao rape case and sentenced to life imprisonment along with a fine of INR 25 lakh. Despite being granted bail in the rape case, he continued to remain in jail as he is serving a 10-year sentence in another CBI case related to murder.
On Sunday, the survivor said she had faith that she would get justice from the Supreme Court and appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure her safety so that she could pursue her legal battle without fear.
Speaking during a protest organised by the All India Progressive Women Association in the national capital, the survivor alleged that Sengar had bribed officials, including a CBI investigating officer and a Delhi High Court judge, and said her family had suffered severe consequences since his bail. ‘I have faith that I will get justice in the Supreme Court. Kuldeep Sengar has bribed a Delhi High Court judge and a CBI investigating officer. My husband’s job was taken away, and my children and witnesses are under threat. Protection must be provided to those whom we name before the CBI. I request Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to protect me so that I am able to fight my battle fearlessly,’ she said.
(ANI)