Supreme Court Halts Delhi HC Bail Relief to Kuldeep Sengar in Unnao Rape Case
The Supreme Court on Monday put a stop to the Delhi High Court’s decision that had temporarily suspended the life sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. With the apex court’s stay, Sengar will remain in jail until further orders.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the High Court’s order required closer examination, especially given Sengar’s conviction in another serious criminal matter. The bench made it clear that the former legislator cannot walk free on the basis of the December 23 order passed by the Delhi High Court.
The court also issued a formal notice to Sengar after the Central Bureau of Investigation challenged the suspension of his sentence.
Why the Supreme Court Intervened
The intervention came after the Delhi High Court paused Sengar’s life imprisonment while his appeal was pending. The High Court had cited the long period he had already spent behind bars—more than seven years—as a reason to grant him conditional bail.
Another key factor in the High Court’s ruling was its observation that Sengar could not be classified as a “public servant” under specific provisions of the POCSO Act and the Indian Penal Code. This interpretation alarmed the CBI, which argued that the order diluted the gravity of the crime and set a dangerous precedent.
The agency swiftly moved the Supreme Court, prompting the stay.
Public Anger and Protests Follow Bail Order
The High Court’s decision triggered sharp public backlash. Women’s rights groups and civil society organisations took to the streets, accusing the system of showing sympathy to a convicted sexual offender.
The Unnao rape survivor herself joined the protest in Delhi, saying she believed only the Supreme Court could now ensure justice. Speaking at a demonstration organised by the All India Progressive Women Association, she alleged that Sengar had used money and influence to manipulate authorities during the investigation and trial.
Protesters shouted slogans demanding accountability and said the bail order sent a disturbing message to survivors of sexual violence.
Background of the Unnao Case
Kuldeep Singh Sengar was convicted in December 2019 for raping a minor in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district. A Delhi court sentenced him to life imprisonment and imposed a ₹25 lakh fine. The case became one of the most high-profile rape trials in recent years, raising questions about political power, police inaction and witness safety.
The survivor’s family has consistently maintained faith in the judiciary. Her mother earlier said the Supreme Court remained their last hope for justice.
With the apex court now freezing the High Court’s order, the focus shifts to the final outcome of Sengar’s appeal—under intense public and legal scrutiny.
ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi Slams Treatment of Unnao Rape Survivor
