In a major judicial development, the Supreme Court of India on Monday stayed the Delhi High Court’s order that had suspended the life sentence of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case. The apex court’s intervention ensures that Sengar will continue to remain in jail while the case proceeds.
Hemant Kumar Maurya, the advocate representing the victim, expressed relief at the Supreme Court’s decision. “I would like to thank the Supreme Court today. The victim also wishes to express her gratitude. The court has issued a strong order to the lower courts stating that the accused will not be released from jail under any circumstances. The opposition has been given time to file a counter-affidavit, and until then, Sengar will remain in custody,” he said.
The 2017 Unnao case involved the horrific sexual assault of a minor girl, for which Sengar was sentenced to life imprisonment. The Delhi High Court had recently suspended his sentence, a move that was widely criticised and drew public outrage.
