The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday addressed concerns about potential political exploitation surrounding the Unnao rape case, stating that the judges are aware of the attempts to gain political advantage. A three-judge vacation bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant made the observation while hearing a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging a Delhi High Court order that suspended the life sentence of Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former BJP MLA, who was convicted in the 2017 Unnao rape case.

The court also issued a notice to Sengar, directing him to respond within four weeks. The Supreme Court's intervention came after Sengar's lawyers claimed allegations were being made against the Delhi High Court judges who had suspended his life sentence.

During the hearing, Sengar's counsel highlighted the circulation of a video containing allegations against the judges and the circulation of their photographs online, urging people to "identify these judges". Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed deep concern and stated it was "very unfortunate" and that people are trying to take "political advantage" of the situation. "We are not sitting in ivory towers," the Chief Justice added, emphasizing the court's awareness of the situation. The bench, also comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih, noted that such actions overlook the fact that Sengar was convicted by the judiciary itself. The bench asserted the judges involved are of the highest caliber.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, defended the integrity of the High Court judges, calling them "brilliant judges with unimpeachable integrity" and condemned any attempts to malign them. The CBI had previously called the Delhi High Court order "contrary to law" and "perverse," arguing that Sengar, as a sitting MLA at the time of the offense, should be considered a public servant under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The Unnao rape case dates back to 2017 when a minor girl accused Kuldeep Singh Sengar of rape. The case gained national attention due to allegations of political interference, police inaction, and the custodial death of the victim's father. The survivor even attempted self-immolation outside the Chief Minister's residence in Lucknow after repeated inaction by the police.

The survivor welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to stay the High Court's order, expressing relief and renewed faith in the justice system. "I am very happy with this decision. I have got justice from the Supreme Court. I have been raising my voice for justice from the very beginning," she stated.

The Supreme Court's decision to stay the Delhi High Court's order and its strong remarks against the attempts to politicize the issue highlight the court's commitment to ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law in the face of political pressure.