Unnao, Aravalli Cases to be Heard by Supreme Court Tomorrow

New Delhi: The Supreme Court will consider on Monday a CBI appeal seeking the cancellation of bail granted to Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the former BJP MLA and accused in the Unnao gangrape case, during a special sitting.

In the wake of strong public protests, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has decided to revisit the definition issued in an earlier order concerning the Aravalli mountain ranges. Exercising special powers, the Chief Justice has suo motu registered the case. Both the Unnao and Aravalli matters will be heard on Monday.

Justices J K Maheshwari and Augustin George Masih will join the Chief Justice in the bench.

Delhi High Court had earlier granted bail to Sengar after observing, controversially, that he could not be considered a ‘public servant’ at the time of the gangrape and that provisions of the POCSO Act would not apply. The high court decision faced widespread criticism.

The Chief Justice’s decision to take up the case comes amid strong protests against the Supreme Court’s recent interpretation of the Aravalli mountain ranges, which environmentalists say could benefit mining companies at the cost of fragile ecosystems.

A total of nine cases, including these, will be heard on Monday.