‘Decide in 3 months’: SC to Delhi HC on Sengar plea in death case of Unnao rape survivor’s father

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has instructed the Delhi High Court to grant an out-of-turn hearing to expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in his appeal against conviction in the custodial death case of the Unnao rape survivor’s father. The apex court said the matter should be decided within three months.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N V Anjaria declined to entertain Sengar’s challenge to the High Court’s January 19 order, which had refused to suspend his 10-year sentence. The judges further directed that any appeal filed by the victim’s family should be heard alongside Sengar’s petition.

Appearing for the Central Bureau of Investigation, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that Sengar’s appeal is scheduled for hearing on February 11. He suggested that the High Court accord an out-of-turn hearing to ensure timely adjudication.

Sengar was sentenced in March 2020 to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and fined ₹10 lakh after being found guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code. The trial court ruled that “no leniency” could be shown for the killing of the family’s “sole bread earner”.

The survivor’s father had been arrested under the Arms Act at Sengar’s behest and died in custody in April 2018 following police brutality. Sengar had earlier abducted and raped the minor in 2017. His appeals in both the rape case, where he was sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2019, and the custodial death case remain pending before the High Court.

Also Read | ‘Investigating officer cooperated with judge so that I don’t pursue case’: Unnao rape survivor 

Although the High Court suspended his sentence in the rape case on December 23, 2025, the Supreme Court stayed that suspension six days later, ensuring his punishment continues until the appeals are resolved.

PTI