Kuldeep Sengar, convicted in the Unnao rape case, faced a significant setback from the Supreme Court, which halted the Delhi High Court's relief. Considering the seriousness of the charges, the court stated that Sengar should not be granted bail in any case. The bench led by CJI Justice Surya Kant issued a notice to Sengar's lawyer, requiring a response within two weeks.
The next Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for four weeks' time. Initially, the Supreme Court clearly stated its stance on pausing the High Court's order, focusing discussions solely on the stay issue. The court noted Sengar’s ongoing imprisonment for another matter, calling it a strange situation.
The Supreme Court clarified that today’s proceedings would not conclude the matter. Sengar's lawyer requested intervention permission, to which the court responded by issuing a notice for a reply within two weeks. It was firmly declared that Sengar will not be released. Furthermore, the victim is entitled to file a separate SLP without the need for special permission.
Read more: Sengar Must Stay in Jail, Supreme Court Stays HC's Relief Decision
During the hearing, the CJI mentioned that Sengar was convicted through the judiciary. The victim's lawyer highlighted ongoing threats to the victim's family, to which the CJI responded, affirming the right to file an appeal and access legal remedies. Sengar's legal team noted the viral circulation of comments on Delhi High Court judges' photos, identifying them as unfortunate, and urged against politically motivated actions to intimidate the system. The CJI firmly instructed debates to remain within court walls, not streets. The next court session is set for the following month.
