Supreme Court urges Delhi High Court to prioritize hearing on Sengar's appeal concerning suspension of sentence amid ongoing life sentence
In a pivotal development, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Delhi High Court to expedite its hearing of the appeal filed by Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former politician, concerning the suspension of his sentence. The appellant, currently serving a life sentence in a connected rape case, had sought suspension of a 10-year rigorous imprisonment imposed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Arms Act by a trial court in March 2020.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N.V. Anjaria, reviewed the High Court's previous decision from January 2026, which denied Sengar's plea for suspension of sentence and bail. This decision had been grounded on the basis that the appellant was concurrently serving a life sentence and lacked new compelling circumstances to justify suspension.
Mr. Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, representing the Central Bureau of Investigation, informed the bench that Sengar’s appeal was scheduled for hearing on February 11, 2026, before the High Court. He requested the Supreme Court to urge the High Court to take up the appeal on an out-of-turn basis. The Supreme Court acknowledged the period Sengar has already served—7 years and 7 months—and deemed it appropriate to request the High Court to resolve the matter within three months.
Moreover, the court addressed the rights of the complainant, who had filed a separate appeal challenging the quantum of sentence from the trial court's judgment. The Supreme Court granted liberty to the complainant to request the High Court for an expedited hearing of their appeal, suggesting both appeals be heard jointly for the sake of justice. The Supreme Court stressed that if necessary, the composition of the bench should be altered to facilitate this joint hearing.
The Supreme Court's order emphasizes the importance of timely judicial proceedings, especially considering the prolonged period of incarceration already served by the appellant. This direction is poised to ensure a fair hearing and expedite the resolution of interconnected legal matters.
The appeal by Kuldeep Singh Sengar, along with any appeals filed by the complainant or other connected cases, is to be prioritized by the Delhi High Court, with a clear directive to resolve these matters swiftly.
Bottom Line:
Request to High Court for expedited hearing of appeals concerning suspension of sentence, quantum of sentence, and connected matters.
Statutory provision(s): Section 389(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973; Sections 166, 167, 193, 201, 203, 21, 218, 323, 341, 304, 120B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860; Sections 3/25 of the Arms Act, 1959.
Kuldeep Singh Sengar v. Central Bureau of Investigation, (SC) : Law Finder Doc id # 2851642
