The Supreme Court will hear on December 29 a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the Allahabad High Court’s order suspending the life sentence of former Uttar Pradesh MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case.
Sengar was convicted in 2019 by a trial court and sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a minor girl in Unnao district. The case had triggered widespread public outrage and drew national attention due to allegations of political influence, intimidation of the victim’s family, and lapses in the initial investigation, which later led to the transfer of the case to the CBI.
While the Allahabad High Court had earlier upheld Sengar’s conviction, it recently ordered the suspension of his life sentence, granting him interim relief. The CBI subsequently moved the Supreme Court, arguing that the suspension was unjustified given the gravity of the offence and the circumstances of the case.
In its plea, the CBI has contended that the High Court’s order could weaken public confidence in the criminal justice system and undermine the seriousness of crimes involving sexual violence. The agency has sought a stay on the High Court’s order and the continuation of Sengar’s sentence during the pendency of further proceedings.
The Unnao rape case remains one of the most closely watched criminal cases in recent years, symbolising concerns over justice delivery in cases involving powerful individuals. The Supreme Court’s hearing is expected to provide clarity on the legality of the sentence suspension and the next course of action in the matter.
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