In a significant development on January 17, 2025, the Delhi High Court refused to extend the interim medical bail granted to former BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in connection with the 2017 Unnao rape case. Sengar, who is currently serving a life sentence for raping a minor, was directed by the court to surrender before the authorities by January 20, 2025. The case, which has drawn national attention due to the serious nature of the crime, continues to unfold in the courts.

Court’s Ruling on Medical Bail Extension

Sengar, who had been granted medical bail in December 2024, requested an extension of the bail, citing his need for eye surgery scheduled at AIIMS in the coming week. His defense counsel argued that the surgery required immediate attention, but the Delhi High Court was not persuaded by this plea. The court acknowledged the need for medical attention but stated that AIIMS could provide him with a new date for surgery, and therefore, the extension was unnecessary. The court also made it clear that Sengar must return to custody by January 20, 2025.

Justice Dharmesh Sharma, who had previously convicted Sengar in 2019 for the rape, recused himself from hearing the plea for the suspension of Sengar’s sentence. This led the bench, comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Dharmesh Sharma, to decide that the matter would be placed before another bench on January 27, 2025 for further proceedings.

Background of the Unnao Rape Case

The Unnao rape case has been a highly contentious and disturbing chapter in Indian legal history. Sengar was convicted in December 2019 by a trial court for the rape of a minor. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment, acknowledging the horrific nature of the crime. However, Sengar challenged both the conviction and the sentence in the Delhi High Court, where the case remains under appeal.

In addition to the rape case, Sengar is also linked to the custodial death of the victim's father, which is part of the ongoing legal proceedings. His plea regarding the extension of medical bail in relation to this case is still pending before another bench of the Delhi High Court.

Public Reaction and Legal Implications

The case continues to spark debates regarding justice for the victim and the implications of granting medical bail to high-profile individuals like Sengar. The legal battles surrounding Sengar’s conviction, appeal, and bail extension are ongoing, but the Delhi High Court's decision to deny his plea and set a clear surrender date sends a strong message about the seriousness of the case.

What’s Next for Kuldeep Sengar?

The next major development in this case will come on January 27, 2025, when the court hears arguments regarding Sengar’s appeal against the conviction and sentence in the Unnao rape case. Meanwhile, his plea regarding the custodial death remains under review, adding further complexity to the proceedings.

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