Why did SP’s Afzal Ansari criticise UP minister Daya Shankar Singh over Sengar bail remarks?
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New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari on Friday condemned Uttar Pradesh Minister Daya Shankar Singh for his remarks regarding the bail given to former MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case.
Ansari challenged the minister's assertion, questioning, “First and foremost, he was convicted by the court. It is the judiciary that determines guilt or innocence. Has the minister placed himself above the court to make such a statement?”
Speaking to reporters, Ansari expressed that such comments reveal a troubling mindset within the ruling party. “In our nation, the ruling party seems to believe they are above the judiciary. Those granted bail are labeled as convicted, while the innocent are considered accused,” he remarked.
He further claimed that government officials often act as though they are immune to legal repercussions, whereas regular citizens are subjected to rigorous legal scrutiny. “In this administration, there exists a mentality that any FIR against them or any ruling won't lead to trial, but for others, if no such claim exists, they fabricate false cases to ensnare them in court,” Ansari stated.
These comments follow the recent decision by the Delhi High Court to grant bail to Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who was previously convicted in a high-profile case involving the sexual assault of a minor in Unnao. Minister Daya Shankar Singh remarked on the ruling, stating, “The judiciary made the right decision. He received bail a bit late, but we welcome the ruling.” This statement drew backlash from opposition figures, who accused him of undermining judicial authority.
The Unnao case, which captured national attention, previously resulted in Sengar's conviction and a life sentence.
The recent bail from the Delhi High Court is part of his ongoing legal appeals. Legal analysts have emphasized that bail is a constitutional right and does not necessarily indicate the final adjudication of guilt, a nuance that Ansari underscored in his critique.