The Delhi High Court on Friday extended the interim bail of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who is convicted in the 2017 Unnao rape case, by one month. The extension was granted on medical grounds, under strict conditions.
A bench consisting of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma ruled that Sengar shall not leave his residence except for medical visits to AIIMS, New Delhi, and shall not exit the city. This extension follows a temporary suspension of his sentence on December 5, allowing medical evaluation at AIIMS due to various reported ailments including cataracts and complications post-surgery.
The court, however, made it clear that no further extensions would be granted. “Considering the overall medical condition of the appellant, this court is of the opinion that the period for which the suspension is being sought is long. However, to enable the appellant to recover from his eye surgery, scrotal pain, and the bleeding issues that he is facing while defecation, the extension of interim bail for a period of one month is directed,” the order stated.
Both the CBI and the rape survivor opposed the plea for the extension, highlighting ongoing concerns about the severity of the charges against Sengar.
The former BJP politician is also entangled in another legal battle concerning the custodial death of the rape survivor’s father, for which he is serving a separate 10-year jail term. He was granted interim bail in that case as well until December 23 by another bench.
Kuldeep Sengar’s legal troubles stem from the kidnapping and rape of a minor girl in 2017, a case that has since stirred significant media attention and public outrage. The case, along with related matters, was transferred to Delhi from a trial court in Uttar Pradesh by the Supreme Court in August 2019.
Sengar’s residence has been ordered to be under constant surveillance by Delhi Police, limiting visitors and ensuring compliance with the court’s conditions. The division bench had previously ordered Sengar’s admission to AIIMS for a comprehensive medical review, reflecting the complexity of his health claims and ongoing legal proceedings.
