In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court on Monday stayed a Delhi High Court order that had suspended the life sentence of former MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2019 Unnao rape case. The top court overturned the relief, noting that Sengar could not be granted such relief as he stands convicted and sentenced in a separate offence as well.
Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh, was convicted in December 2019 for the rape of a minor girl in Unnao in 2017. The trial, which was moved to Delhi on the Supreme Court’s directions, concluded with a life imprisonment sentence and a fine of ₹25 lakhs.
On December 23, a division bench of the Delhi High Court — comprising Justice Subramonium Prasad and Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar — suspended Sengar’s life sentence, prompting an immediate challenge.
Following the High Court’s decision, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) moved the Supreme Court on Friday seeking an urgent stay. The apex court not only stayed the High Court’s order but also issued a notice to Sengar on the CBI’s appeal.
A bench headed by Justice B.R. Gavai observed that suspension of sentence could not be granted in this case since the convict was also facing punishment in a separate criminal matter. This underscores the legal principle that relief in one case cannot be considered in isolation when other convictions exist.
Hemant Kumar Maurya, the lawyer representing the victim, welcomed the Supreme Court’s order. He stated, “The Supreme Court has issued a strong order… the accused will not be released from jail in any case. The opposition has been given time to file a counter-affidavit, and until then, he will not be released.”
Women’s rights activist Yogita Bhayana hailed the decision, saying, “Satyamev Jayate. We were hoping for this order… It will send a message to the country's daughters that if they face injustice, they will get justice.”
The Supreme Court’s interim order ensures that Sengar remains incarcerated while the legal process continues. The case has been closely followed nationally, given the brutality of the crime and the survivor’s fight for justice — a journey marred by tragedy, including a fatal car accident in which her family members were killed.
The court’s firm stance reinforces the judiciary’s role in upholding accountability, especially in cases involving powerful individuals and crimes against women.
The Supreme Court has sought a response from Sengar on the CBI’s appeal. Further hearings will determine the final outcome regarding the suspension of his sentence. For now, the stay ensures no early release, offering some reassurance to the survivor and those advocating for justice in the case.
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