The survivor of the Unnao rape case on Monday expressed relief and satisfaction after the Supreme Court stayed a Delhi High Court order that had suspended the life sentence of convict Kuldeep Sengar, saying she continues to place complete faith in the justice system.
The apex court, while hearing a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the High Court’s decision, issued a notice to Sengar and asked him to submit his response. The Supreme Court’s order effectively put on hold the Delhi High Court ruling that had granted bail to the former Uttar Pradesh legislator.
Speaking over the phone from Delhi, the survivor said the Supreme Court’s intervention had strengthened her belief in the rule of law. “I am very happy with this decision. I have been fighting for justice from the beginning. I respect all courts, but today the Supreme Court has given me justice and I trust it will continue to do so,” she said.
She added that her struggle was far from over. “I will keep fighting until justice is complete. Only then will my family and I find peace. We received threats even today,” she said.
Members of the survivor’s family also welcomed the court’s decision. Her sister said the family had full confidence that the judiciary would ensure Sengar is not released. “He destroyed our family. Today, I feel some relief,” she said, adding that they would continue to pursue the case and oppose any bail.
The survivor’s mother thanked the Supreme Court for the relief and said those responsible for killing her husband should be awarded the death penalty.
Sengar, a former MLA from Unnao, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in the 2017 rape case, which had sparked nationwide outrage and renewed focus on crimes against women and political accountability.
Meanwhile, Sengar’s younger daughter, Ishita Sengar, shared an emotional message on social media platform X, urging that justice be delivered fairly and without external pressure. She wrote that her family has been waiting quietly for justice for the past eight years and continues to trust the law and institutions.
Ishita said she has often been identified only as “the daughter of a BJP MLA” and has faced abuse, hatred and threats online. Clarifying her stand, she said her family was not seeking sympathy or special treatment, but only an impartial examination of evidence. Her elder sister, Aishwarya Sengar, reposted the message, stating, “We will fight, we will not lose.”
The Supreme Court’s decision drew strong political reactions. The CPI-ML described the stay as a victory of people’s resistance, saying protests had erupted across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh following the Delhi High Court order. CPI-ML state secretary Sudhakar Yadav said sustained demonstrations by the survivor and various women, student and youth organisations had played a key role. He added that the Supreme Court’s order had, for now, thwarted attempts to dilute justice.
The Congress party also welcomed the development. Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba termed the order a “victory” for the survivor and her supporters. Criticising the government, she said that despite the “Beti Bachao” slogan, offenders were often being shielded. She added that the party would continue its fight and mentioned ongoing engagement with the family of Ankita Bhandari, the young woman killed in Uttarakhand in 2022.
Yadav further said that given the seriousness of the crime, Sengar did not deserve any leniency and should remain imprisoned for life. According to him, only a firm stand by the justice system would send the right message to society.
Separately, the Uttar Pradesh Congress shared a video on X allegedly showing a protest in support of Sengar and criticised the BJP, calling the demonstration “shameless” and accusing the party of standing with a convicted leader.
Also Read: Gujarat Horror: Seven-Year-Old Raped, Iron Rod Inserted In Private Parts https://www.vibesofindia.com/gujarat-horror-seven-year-old-raped-riron-od-inserted-in-private-parts/
