The Delhi High Court declined to entertain a plea by Jaideep Sengar seeking suspension of his sentence in the custodial death case linked to the Unnao rape survivor’s father, making it clear that no hearing would proceed unless he first surrenders. The court’s firm stance underscores that interim medical relief cannot be treated as an open-ended exemption from custody.
Sengar, brother of expelled former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, was convicted in 2020 in connection with the death of the survivor’s father, who died in police custody in April 2018 following alleged brutality after being arrested at the legislator’s behest. A division bench of Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudeja noted that Sengar had been granted interim suspension of sentence on medical grounds in July 2024, which was last extended in April 2025. Despite the matter being listed multiple times thereafter, no extension was sought or granted, yet Sengar failed to return to custody.
The Bench made it clear that there can be no automatic continuation of interim relief, observing that “Law is equal for all… There is no question of presuming that your interim suspension of sentence has been extended.” The judges directed Sengar to surrender immediately, warning that failure to do so would invite action by the CBI.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on February 24, subject to compliance.
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