New Delhi: The Supreme Court stayed the Delhi High Court order that had suspended the life sentence of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case involving a minor. Women’s rights activists and the victim’s legal team welcomed the decision, calling it a crucial step toward justice.

Women activist Yogita Bhayana said the Supreme Court’s intervention reaffirmed faith in the justice system.

"Satyamev Jayate. We were hoping for this order. We thank the Supreme Court and all the media for this. The Supreme Court has been sensitive towards this case. This was the very the basic of justice. It will send a message to the country's daughters that if they face injustice, they will get justice."

Bhayana said the verdict would reassure survivors across the country that the legal system stands with them in cases of grave injustice.

The victim’s mother also expressed happiness and gratitude to the court, reiterating her demand for the harshest punishment.

“We are very happy. We want to thank the Supreme Court. My daughter should get justice. I want the accused to be given a death sentence...” she said.

Hemant Kumar Maurya, an advocate representing the victim’s side, also expressed relief and highlighted the fear and pressure faced by the survivor’s family.

“I would like to thank the Supreme Court. The victim's family had the feeling that if the accused was released, his gang would kill the remaining members of her family,” Maurya said.

He further alleged continued harassment of the victim’s relatives.

“Pressure is being created to destroy her uncle financially. One of the minor members of her family has been removed from the school and is not getting admission in any school now...,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mehmood Pracha, advocate for the Unnao rape case survivor, struck a cautious note, saying the court’s order should not be seen as a victory.

“I can assure the victims that we have got a small relief. This should not be called victory, but we have got a little time to breathe,” Pracha said.

He also criticised the CBI’s handling of the appeal.

“CBI took a stand on a very limited point and did not raise our strongest grounds of argument. CBI did not consult us at all. There is so much evidence in favour of the victim that any court would give a verdict in her support,” he said.

Pracha added that the case was not argued on its full merits.

“The court did not hear us on the main merits. CBI has just discussed the iceberg of the case; we have the entire matter with us... CBI did not make us a party in this case. We cannot treat this judgement as a victory for the victim...” he said.

Congress leader Mumtaz Patel said the Supreme Court’s intervention had renewed hope for justice for the victim. She demanded the strictest punishment for the convicted leader and called for tougher laws against sexual offences.

“We are hopeful now that justice will be given to the Unnao victim. Kuldeep Sengar should be given a death sentence. A new law should come in which the rapists should be given death sentence,” Patel said.

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the operation of the Delhi High Court’s order and made it clear that Kuldeep Singh Sengar will not be released from jail. The apex court also issued notice to Sengar seeking his response to CBI's plea within two weeks.