Delhi High Court Suspends Life Term, Grants Bail To Ex-BJP Leader In Unnao Rape Case

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday suspended the life sentence of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who was serving jail time after conviction in the high-profile Unnao rape case. The court granted him conditional bail while his appeal runs. 

Who is Kuldeep Sengar and what was he convicted for?

Sengar was convicted for kidnapping and raping a minor girl in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district in June 2017. He was convicted in December 2019 in connection with the rape of a minor girl, a case that drew national attention for its brutality and political aftershocks. He was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Delhi court following trial proceedings that began after the Supreme Court moved the case from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi. 

What conditions did the court impose?

The bench, led by Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, ordered Sengar's release after he furnished a personal bond of Rs 15 lakh with three sureties of the same amount. He must also stay at least 5 kilometres away from the victim's home and must not threaten or contact her or her mother. The court warned that any breach of these terms could lead to immediate cancellation of his bail. 

Why has this decision stirred debate?

The Unnao case was one of the most talked-about sexual assault cases in recent Indian history. It not only involved allegations of sexual violence against a minor but also led to the death of the victim’s father in custody, adding to public outrage. Sengar was also convicted in that linked custodial death case. 

What happens next?

Sengar will remain out of jail while his appeal against the conviction proceeds in the High Court. Lawyers on both sides are expected to return to court soon to argue key points in the appeal.