Delhi High Court delivered a stern message to convicted rapist and ex-MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, dismissing his urgent plea for bail and a stay on his sentence in the Unnao custodial death case. Sengar, now destined to serve out his term without interim relief, saw his hopes dashed in a detailed judicial order.
The bench’s reasoning centered on the heinous nature of the crimes and Sengar’s prior record, making bail untenable. Convicted for the abduction, rape of a minor, and linked to the in-custody demise of her father, he has been imprisoned for nearly 7.5 years of a 10-year punishment. The court observed that appeal delays partly stem from Sengar’s own legal maneuvers.
Unnao case chronology paints a grim picture: Allegations surfaced in 2017 against the influential BJP leader. The 2019 trial court judgment, with imprisonment and fine, triggered massive demonstrations. Subsequent bail granted then revoked by higher courts marks turbulent litigation.
In its observation, the high court advocated for prompt disposal of the conviction appeal, benefiting all parties. This comes after CBI’s successful Supreme Court challenge to an earlier bail.
As Sengar remains incarcerated, the decision highlights judicial resolve against impunity. It serves as a benchmark in handling appeals from high-profile convicts in sexual offense cases, offering solace to survivors and fueling discourse on criminal justice reforms.