The survivor of the horrific Unnao rape case has approached the Supreme Court with a fresh and alarming plea. She has accused the daughters of convicted former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar of deliberately revealing her identity in public, a serious violation of her legal right to anonymity. The survivor has urgently requested the court's intervention for her safety and protection.
A Grave Accusation of Identity Breach
In her application submitted to the Supreme Court, the woman stated that the daughters of Kuldeep Singh Sengar publicly identified her, putting her and her family at significant risk. This act directly contravenes the strict provisions of Indian law, which mandate the protection of a rape survivor's identity to ensure their dignity and safety. The survivor's legal team emphasized that this was a calculated move to harass and intimidate their client, who has been fighting a long and arduous battle for justice.
The incident is reported to have occurred recently, prompting the immediate filing of the plea. The survivor highlighted the continuous threats and harassment she has faced even after Sengar's conviction, underscoring the vulnerable position she remains in. Her plea stresses that revealing her identity is not just an ethical violation but a punishable offence under the law.
The Long Road to Justice and Ongoing Threats
Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former BJP legislator from Bangarmau in Unnao, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2019 for the rape of the minor girl in 2017. The case, which involved shocking layers of crime including the custodial death of the survivor's father and a fatal car crash targeting her family, had drawn national outrage.
Despite the conviction, the survivor's ordeal appears far from over. Her latest application to the Supreme Court outlines a persistent atmosphere of fear and intimidation. She has pleaded for the court to direct the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments to provide adequate security and take action against those responsible for the identity breach. The plea argues that the actions of Sengar's daughters amount to contempt of court and violate the spirit of the court's earlier orders meant to safeguard the survivor.
Legal Recourse and the Demand for Safety
The survivor's legal move brings to light the critical challenges faced by victims even after winning a legal battle. The protection of identity is a cornerstone of victim-centric laws in India, including those under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. By allegedly breaching this, the accused's family has triggered a new legal front in this case.
The Supreme Court, which has been monitoring the case closely since the controversial car crash in 2019, is now seized of this new development. The survivor's counsel has requested the court to:
- Issue strict directions for her enhanced security cover.
- Initiate proceedings against the individuals who disclosed her identity.
- Ensure that no further harassment is caused to the survivor and her family members.
The next hearing in the matter is awaited, as the apex court examines this serious allegation. This development underscores the relentless struggle for justice and safety that rape survivors often endure, long after the headlines fade. It also tests the enforcement of laws designed to protect the vulnerable from powerful accused persons.
