Unnao Rape Survivor Expresses Relief as Supreme Court Rejects Kuldeep Sengar's Bail Plea
The Unnao rape survivor on Monday voiced profound relief after the Supreme Court of India firmly rejected the bail plea of expelled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar. This plea was connected to the custodial death of her father, marking a significant moment in her eight-year-long fight for justice.
Survivor's Emotional Statement to ANI
Speaking to ANI, the survivor recounted her experience in court, stating, "I went to the Supreme Court today. I was present when the judge delivered the verdict. I am immensely happy and satisfied with this decision, especially as the judge has ordered the hearing to be completed within three months, as soon as possible." She emphasized the irreplaceable loss of her father, alleging that his brothers, Atul Singh Sengar and Jaideep Singh Sengar, were responsible for his death and are currently out of jail for medical treatment, along with involved police officers.
Reflecting on her own ordeal, she added, "As for Kuldeep Singh Sengar, he committed a heinous act against me—he raped me. How can I prove it? Am I alive? Do I have to keep proving this?" She drew a poignant comparison, noting that if she had died like the Nirbhaya case victim, her assault might have been taken more seriously from the start.
Call for Justice and Death Penalty
The survivor passionately urged the Supreme Court to ensure justice for her father, calling for the death penalty for Kuldeep Singh Sengar. "I have requested that the Supreme Court deliver justice for my father. He should be hanged so that my father's soul can be at peace and justice can be given to him," she asserted. She highlighted her eight-year struggle to prove the rape, mentioning that even now, she faces challenges in validating her experience, with Sengar's daughter dismissing it as a normal accident.
Supreme Court's Ruling and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, the Supreme Court declined to grant immediate relief to rape-convict and former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, rejecting his plea for suspension of sentence and bail in the custodial-death case. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed the Delhi High Court to hear and decide the matter within three months, stating, "We deem it a fit case to request the High Court to hear the appeal and decide the same, but not later than three months."
Sengar had approached the Supreme Court challenging a January 19, 2026, order from the Delhi High Court that declined suspension of sentence and bail. His conviction stems from a March 4, 2020, judgment under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 166, 167, 193, 201, and 203, read with Section 120-B, resulting in a maximum sentence of 10 years' rigorous imprisonment.
Arguments from Both Sides
Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, representing Sengar, argued that his client had served over seven years and six months in actual incarceration, and continued denial of bail was unjustified due to hearing delays. However, the Court observed that the criminal appeal is scheduled for final hearing before the High Court on February 11, making the plea largely academic.
Opposing the plea, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), highlighted that Sengar is already serving a life sentence in a separate rape conviction. He asserted that no exceptional or compelling circumstances exist to justify granting bail.
Judicial Observations and Principles
Chief Justice Surya Kant remarked, "In cases of conviction, the normal rule is that the appeal should be heard before completion of sentence," adding that the victim's right to pursue her own appeal should not be curtailed. Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that courts are generally cautious in granting bail to individuals with serious criminal antecedents, especially in cases involving custodial death where a police officer has already been convicted.
Note: The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy, in accordance with Supreme Court directives on cases related to sexual assault. This report includes agency inputs.
