New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday is set to hear a plea by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the Delhi High Court’s order suspending the life sentence of expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case.
A three-judge vacation bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices JK Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih, is likely to hear the matter.
The Delhi High Court, on December 23, suspended Sengar’s jail term, noting that he had already served seven years and five months in prison, according to PTI reports.
Victim Expresses Hope for Justice
The survivor of the Unnao rape case expressed hope that the Supreme Court will deliver justice. Speaking to ANI, she said, “I have faith in the Supreme Court that it will give me justice. I am raising the voice of every woman. Had the CBI taken action earlier, I would have got justice. His bail would have been rejected because he raped me. My father was killed. My family members were killed. The security of my family members and witnesses was removed. My husband was fired from his job. My children are unsafe at home.”
Case Background and Key Developments
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The survivor, a minor at the time, accused Kuldeep Singh Sengar of raping her at his residence in 2017.
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Months after the complaint, no action was taken. In April 2018, she attempted self-immolation outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Lucknow, drawing nationwide attention and renewed scrutiny of the case.
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Shortly after, her father died while in judicial custody. The family alleged he was assaulted by Sengar’s supporters inside Unnao Jail, intensifying public outrage.
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In July 2019, during trial proceedings, the survivor was seriously injured in a road accident when a truck rammed into her car. Two of her aunts were killed, and her lawyer sustained serious injuries. The CBI later called the crash a planned attempt to kill the survivor.
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Given the severity of the situation, the Supreme Court transferred the trial from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi. In December 2019, a Delhi court found Sengar guilty of rape and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
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On December 23, 2025, the Delhi High Court suspended Sengar’s life sentence and granted him conditional bail. His appeal against the conviction is still pending.
Bail Does Not Affect Other Sentences
While the high court has suspended his sentence in the rape case, Sengar will remain in jail as he is also serving 10 years’ imprisonment in connection with the custodial death of the victim’s father and has not been granted bail in that case.
This case continues to evoke widespread attention and protests, reflecting ongoing concerns over justice and safety for survivors of sexual violence.