New Delhi, 09 February (H.S.): The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar's bail petition in the Unnao rape victim's father's custodial death case, directing the Delhi High Court to prioritize and conclude hearings on his sentence appeal within three months.

A bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant instructed Delhi HC to accord out-of-turn hearing to Sengar's appeal challenging his 10-year sentence, alongside the victim's plea for enhanced punishment, including co-accused matters.

Sengar’s advocate Siddharth Dave highlighted 7 years and 7 months served of the 10-year term. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta (CBI) noted Delhi HC's February 11 listing for the conviction appeal, suggesting expedition.

Victim's counsel Mahmood Pracha informed of a filed appeal seeking conversion from Section 304 to 302 IPC for life imprisonment.

Sengar challenged Delhi HC's January 19 rejection of sentence suspension despite 7.5 years served; HC attributed delays to Sengar's multiple petitions.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar