Delhi HC to Hear Kuldeep Sengar Bail Plea on Feb 19 After SC Order

February 16, 2026

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear the bail plea of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar on February 19 in the high‑profile Unnao custodial death case, following directions from the Supreme Court of India to expedite the matter.

Supreme Court’s Intervention

Earlier, the Supreme Court refused to directly grant bail to Sengar in the custodial death matter related to the death of the father of the Unnao rape survivor but directed the Delhi High Court to hear his appeal out of turn and decide it within three months. The apex court acknowledged the gravity of the custodial death case while urging an expedited hearing by the High Court.

Background: The Custodial Death Case

Sengar, an expelled BJP leader, is already serving a 10‑year prison sentence in the custodial death case arising from the death of the Unnao rape survivor’s father, who died in police custody in April 2018 following alleged custodial torture. Separate from this, he was also convicted earlier in the 2017 Unnao rape case and given a life term.

High Court Decisions So Far

In January, the Delhi High Court refused to suspend Sengar’s 10‑year sentence in the custodial death case, noting that the seriousness of the offence and the ongoing legal process did not justify temporary relief. The court also emphasised that delays in the appeal were partly due to multiple applications filed by Sengar himself.

Legal Arguments and Public Reaction

Sengar’s lawyers have argued that he has already spent a substantial part of his sentence and that the appeal should be considered on merits. However, the prosecution and victim’s family have strongly opposed bail, stressing the gravity of the custodial death and warning against any interim relief that might affect justice or witness safety.

The Supreme Court’s directive to move the case forward reflects the judiciary’s effort to balance procedural fairness with the demands of expeditious justice in sensitive and high‑profile criminal matters.

Next Steps

With the February 19 hearing set, the Delhi High Court will hear Sengar’s plea challenging custody continuation and may choose to either uphold previous rulings or grant interim relief depending on submissions from both sides. The outcome of this hearing will have implications for how custodial death appeals and bail considerations are handled in cases involving serious criminal offences.