On Tuesday the Delhi High Court granted former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar an interim suspension of his sentence on medical grounds until December 20. Sengar, who is serving a 10-year sentence in the Unnao rape victim’s father’s custodial death case, had sought the suspension citing health issues.
Interim Suspension Granted
Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri approved the suspension after Advocate Kanhaiya Singhal argued that Sengar’s medical conditions required immediate attention. Singhal pointed out that Sengar had previously been granted a two-week interim suspension in a related POCSO case but could not be released due to the lack of a suspension order in the custodial death case.
Medical Grounds and Conditions
The High Court directed that Sengar be admitted to AIIMS New Delhi for a thorough medical evaluation. The Medical Superintendent has been tasked with determining whether Sengar’s treatment can be conducted at AIIMS. Reports indicate Sengar suffers from diabetes, cataracts, retinal issues, and other ailments.
Senior advocate N Hariharan also highlighted Sengar’s preference to undergo retinal treatment at Shankar Netralaya, Chennai. However, the court has so far limited his movement to Delhi and mandated that he stay in a known location under constant contact with the investigation officer.
Opposition to Bail
Advocate Mehmood Pracha, representing the rape survivor, strongly opposed the interim bail, warning that Sengar’s release could pose a threat to the victim’s safety, despite her being under security. He further argued that prior medical reports had not indicated any conditions requiring treatment outside AIIMS.
Prior Convictions and Interim Bail in POCSO Case
Sengar is also serving a life sentence following his conviction in the 2018 Unnao rape case under the POCSO Act. On December 5, the Delhi High Court had granted him a two-week interim suspension in this case, specifically for medical treatment.
Court’s Conditions and Next Hearing
The High Court made it clear that Sengar would remain under strict monitoring and must not leave Delhi. He is to remain in touch with the investigation officer throughout the period of his interim bail. Following his treatment and evaluation, the Medical Superintendent will provide a report to the court, which will decide on further actions during the December 20 hearing.
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Legal and Public Repercussions
The decision to grant Sengar interim bail has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning the implications of releasing a high-profile convict in such a sensitive case. Victim advocates have expressed concerns over potential risks to the survivor’s safety, while supporters argue that medical grounds warrant humane treatment, even for those convicted of heinous crimes.
The case remains under intense scrutiny as the next court hearing approaches.
