The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi [India]: The mother of the survivor in the 2017 Unnao rape case has expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for staying the Delhi High Court’s order that had suspended the life sentence of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar.
Welcoming the apex court’s decision, the survivor’s mother said she was relieved and reiterated her demand for justice for her daughter. “We are very happy. We want to thank the Supreme Court. My daughter should get justice. I want the accused to be given the death sentence,” she said.
Advocate Hemant Kumar Maurya, who represents the victim’s side, said the Supreme Court has passed a strong order ensuring that Sengar will not be released from jail. “The Supreme Court has clearly stated that the accused will not be released under any circumstances. The order granting relief has been stayed, and the opposition has been given time to file a counter-affidavit. Until then, he will remain in jail,” Maurya told reporters.
Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court stayed the operation of the Delhi High Court’s December 23 order that had suspended Sengar’s life sentence in the Unnao rape case involving a minor. The apex court noted that Sengar is already serving a sentence in another case and directed that he should not be released from prison.
Passing the order, the bench observed that while such stays are not ordinarily granted without hearing the convicted person, the present case involved “peculiar facts.” “In view of the fact that the convict is already convicted for a separate offence, we stay the operation of the Delhi High Court order, and the respondent shall not be released pursuant to the said order,” the bench said.
The court also issued notice in the matter and granted four weeks’ time for filing a counter-affidavit, while making it clear that Sengar will remain in custody until further orders.
