Did the Delhi HC Deny Sengar's Request for Sentence Suspension in Custodial Death Case?
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Synopsis
The Delhi High Court has firmly rejected Kuldeep Singh Sengar's plea for suspension of his sentence in a significant custodial death case, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the importance of justice. This ruling continues to draw attention to the ongoing issues surrounding the Unnao rape incident.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi High Court stands firm on justice.
- Sengar's request for suspension of sentence denied.
- The case highlights the seriousness of custodial deaths.
- Public trust in the legal system is crucial.
- Legal proceedings moved to Delhi for transparency.
New Delhi, Jan 19 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea presented by the expelled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar, aiming for the suspension of his 10-year sentence linked to the custodial death of the father of the Unnao rape survivor.
A single-judge Bench led by Justice Ravinder Dudeja rejected Sengar's second request for sentence suspension and bail, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime, his prior criminal record, and the lack of any new developments.
Justice Dudeja acknowledged that Sengar has served nearly 7.5 years of his 10-year term but noted that delays in his appeal were partly due to his own repeated applications, including attempts to suspend his sentence.
The bench remarked that the appeal needs to be decided based on its merits and instructed for its expeditious hearing.
Sengar was found guilty by a Delhi court in March 2020 for his role in the custodial death of the rape survivor’s father and was sentenced to a decade of rigorous imprisonment.
The trial, along with related cases from the Unnao incident, was moved from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi by the Supreme Court in August 2019, with orders for day-to-day hearings.
This case stems from an incident in April 2018 when the father of the minor rape victim was allegedly attacked by Sengar's associates in Unnao. Following his arrest on charges of illegal arms possession, he died in police custody due to multiple injuries.
Previously, in June 2024, the Delhi High Court had rejected another similar plea from Sengar, stating that given the severity of the crime, his criminal history, and the effect on public trust in the justice system, he was ineligible for sentence suspension.
In December 2019, Sengar was convicted in a separate rape case involving a minor girl and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Recently, the Delhi High Court had temporarily suspended the life sentence in the 2017 Unnao rape case and granted him bail pending an appeal. Despite imposing strict conditions, this decision sparked significant criticism and protests. Consequently, the Supreme Court intervened, staying the operation of the Delhi High Court’s order, citing the “peculiar facts” of the case and clarifying that Sengar would remain in custody.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the complexity and the profound implications of this ruling. The Delhi High Court's decision reflects a strong stance against the misuse of power and the necessity of maintaining public confidence in the justice system, particularly in cases of such grave nature.
NationPress
19/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for the Delhi HC's rejection of Sengar's plea?
The court cited the seriousness of the offence, Sengar's criminal past, and the absence of new developments as reasons for rejecting the plea.
How long has Sengar been incarcerated?
Sengar has been in custody for nearly 7.5 years out of his 10-year sentence.
What was Sengar convicted of?
He was convicted for his involvement in the custodial death of the father of a rape survivor.
When was the trial moved to Delhi?
The Supreme Court transferred the trial from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi in August 2019.
What was the public reaction to the court's decision?
The decision to grant Sengar bail in a related case led to widespread criticism and protests.
