Delhi HC To Hear Plea For Extension Of Kuldeep Sengar’s Interim Bail On January 17

The Delhi High Court will hear a plea on January 17 seeking an extension of interim bail for Kuldeep Singh Sengar. He is accused in the custodial death of the Unnao rape victim’s father. The interim bail, granted on health grounds, expires on January 20.

Sengar’s lawyer informed the court about his upcoming cataract surgery at AIIMS on January 24. He argued that the earlier bail order did not rule out extensions for medical reasons. However, the CBI opposed the extension, citing no change in circumstances. The CBI also reminded the court of its earlier direction that the bail would not be extended.

Court Directs Medical Examination

Justice Vikas Mahajan observed that the court needs to decide whether to extend the interim bail or address the main petition for sentence suspension. Earlier, the court ordered AIIMS to assess Sengar’s health and determine if treatment could be managed at the hospital. Sengar claimed he suffers from diabetes, cataract, retina issues, and other medical conditions.

The CBI argued that the court rejected Sengar’s earlier plea for sentence suspension in June. Sengar’s lawyer countered that this plea is different, focusing on health grounds. The lawyer also pointed out that Sengar’s challenge to the trial court order has been pending for a long time.

Sengar has been in jail for about eight years. In 2017, he was accused of kidnapping and raping a minor. On March 13, 2020, a lower court sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a Rs 10 lakh fine for the custodial death of the victim’s father. The court’s decision on January 17 will determine the next course of action in this case.

Also Read: Justice K Vinod Chandran Sworn In As Supreme Court Judge