The Supreme Court of India on Monday stayed the Delhi High Court’s order granting conditional bail to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, convicted in the 2017 Unnao rape case. The apex court emphasized the gravity of offences involving sexual crimes against minors and highlighted the need to uphold stringent legal provisions under the law.
Sengar, who was expelled from the BJP following the case, was convicted by a trial court in December 2019 for kidnapping and raping a minor girl in Unnao. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in the rape case and is also serving a 10-year sentence for the custodial death of the victim’s father. The Delhi High Court had, however, suspended his life sentence in the rape case and granted him bail pending appeal, citing that he did not fall under the definition of a “public servant” under the POCSO Act.
The Supreme Court’s stay order effectively ensures that Sengar remains in prison while the appeal is heard. A vacation bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued a notice to Sengar to respond within four weeks. The apex court noted serious legal questions raised by the High Court judgment and stressed that offences under POCSO require strict enforcement to protect children.
The survivor welcomed the Supreme Court’s intervention and reaffirmed her commitment to pursuing justice, stating she “will not rest until he is hanged.” Her family expressed relief over the stay but highlighted ongoing threats to their safety and the need for security for themselves and their legal team.
The case has drawn nationwide attention, not only for the heinous nature of the crimes but also for the legal debates surrounding the interpretation of POCSO provisions. The survivor’s steadfast determination has become a symbol of courage and resilience, reinforcing public demands for accountability and justice in high-profile sexual assault cases.
As the legal proceedings continue, the Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the judiciary’s commitment to balancing procedural technicalities with the need to deliver justice in cases involving sexual crimes against minors. The Unnao case remains a poignant reminder of the challenges survivors face and the importance of sustained legal vigilance to uphold their rights.
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