New Delhi, Dec 29 (NationPress) Following the Supreme Court's decision to halt the Delhi High Court ruling that had temporarily suspended the life sentence and granted bail to expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape incident, former IPS officer and ex-Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Kiran Bedi, remarked that this verdict represents significant justice for the victim.

In a conversation with IANS, Bedi emphasized that the Supreme Court's ruling was not a setback for the offender but rather a strong affirmation of justice for the survivor.

“This is significant justice for the victim. It is not a setback for the criminal; it is justice for the victim. Given the overwhelming evidence, this decision poses a challenge to the affluent and influential. This individual was a sitting MLA of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly,” she stated.

Bedi expressed concern over how individuals accused of serious offenses often attain positions of authority.

“What is profoundly shameful is our tendency to elect such individuals. They pledge to uphold the Constitution, earn the people's trust, and then commit heinous crimes like rape. This indicates a serious flaw in our representative selection process,” she shared with IANS.

Describing the Supreme Court's involvement as a powerful message to society, Bedi stated that the ruling reflects the strength of collective demands for justice.

“This is a commendable judgment. It also illustrates that when there is a widespread call for justice, it resonates - be it through the media or other platforms,” she added.

Highlighting the survivor’s fight, Bedi characterized the case as a struggle between overwhelming power and utter helplessness.

“This was the struggle of a solitary girl. On one side was a giant, and on the other, a vulnerable individual. She faced exploitation and severe injustice, yet she remained resolute. We honor the courage of this girl and her family,” she stated.

Reflecting on the victim's hardships, Bedi noted, “Her father was murdered, her lawyer was killed—what could be more unjust? Despite these challenges, she persisted and stood strong. We must also recognize the volunteers who supported her throughout this arduous journey.”

Expressing sorrow over the prior suspension of the sentence, Bedi remarked that it was deeply troubling that incarceration was paused on procedural grounds.

“It is even more distressing that such a ruling originated from a respected High Court. However, today, even during the vacation period, the Supreme Court took action. This demonstrates that if you fight, raise a collective voice, and unite in the pursuit of justice - for yourself and for what is right - justice can eventually be served. Today, the Supreme Court has delivered that justice,” she told IANS.

Bedi also commented on the Supreme Court's decision regarding the Aravalli Hills issue, stating, “We are thankful to the Supreme Court for hearing the collective voice of the public. The Aravalli range is billions of years old, and had that judgment been enforced, the Aravallis would have faced destruction in 20 years. This is a significant relief.”

Earlier today, the Supreme Court issued a stay on the Delhi High Court ruling that had suspended the life sentence and granted bail to expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case.

"We are aware that typically, this court does not stay orders when a convict or an undertrial has been released without hearing those individuals. However, due to the unique circumstances, where the convict is also convicted for a separate offense, we are staying the operation of the Delhi High Court," stated a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.

The bench, which includes Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih, issued a notice to Sengar concerning the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) petition and mandated that a counter-affidavit be submitted within four weeks.

The apex court clarified that Sengar will not be released based on the contested Delhi High Court ruling.

The CJI-led Bench agreed to evaluate the submission of Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, who argued that the Delhi High Court’s interpretation could suggest that a police constable might be considered a "public servant" under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, while a legislature member would be excluded.