Unnao rape case survivor to move SC against suspension of Sengar's jail term

Strongly condemning the Delhi High Court decision to suspend the sentence of Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case , the survivor on Wednesday announced she would approach the Supreme Court , calling the order a devastating blow to her family and to justice.

Sengar, convicted and awarded life imprisonment in December 2019, was recently given a grant of bail while his appeal is still pending. The court imposed strict conditions, including restrictions on his movement near the survivor’s residence and clear directions against intimidation, warning that any violation would cancel the relief.

Despite this, Sengar will remain in jail as he continues to serve a separate sentence in the custodial death case of the survivor’s father. Bail has not been granted to him in that matter.

Reacting from her Delhi residence, the survivor said the order felt like “death” for her family and raised serious concerns over women’s safety in the country. She questioned how survivors could feel protected when convicted offenders receive bail. She also said security cover for her family, lawyers and witnesses had been withdrawn, deepening fear and uncertainty. According to her, the justice system often appears to favour the powerful, leaving victims to struggle alone.

Determined to oppose the decision, the survivor and her mother planned protests in the national capital. Women’s rights activist Yogita Bhayana joined the protest, alleging mistreatment by security personnel, though police denied the claims.

The decision triggered nationwide outrage. Asha Devi, mother of the 2012 Nirbhaya victim, said such orders embolden criminals and weaken public faith. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also criticised the move, calling it shameful and morally disturbing, and stressed that survivors deserve dignity, security and justice, not fear and despair.