New Delhi: The survivor of the 2017 Unnao rape case expressed relief after the Supreme Court stayed the Delhi High Court order which had suspended the life sentence of convict Kuldeep Singh Sengar and granted him bail. The apex court acted on a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation and issued a notice to Sengar, seeking his response.
Speaking to the media in Delhi, the survivor said the order restored her faith in the justice process. She said the decision eased fears linked to personal safety and family security. She stated her struggle for justice began years ago and would continue until the law reached its final outcome. She also said threats toward her family still persist.
Family members echoed similar sentiments. The survivor’s sister said the bail order caused deep distress and welcomed the Supreme Court intervention. Their mother thanked the court and demanded strict punishment for all responsible for harm suffered by the family, including the death of her husband.
Sengar, a former legislator from Unnao, remains convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in a case which triggered nationwide outrage and renewed scrutiny of political accountability in crimes against women.
The convict’s younger daughter Ishita Sengar opposed the Supreme Court stay through a post on social media. She appealed for impartial justice and urged courts to examine evidence without public pressure. She said her family awaited fairness for eight years and sought equal treatment under law. Her elder sister supported the statement and said the family would continue its legal fight.
Political responses followed the order. CPI(ML) leaders described the stay as an outcome of sustained public protests by women and student groups. The Uttar Pradesh Congress criticised alleged demonstrations backing Sengar and accused political leaders of ignoring the survivor’s suffering. The case continues to shape debate on justice, accountability, and survivor protection.
