Last Updated:December 28, 2025, 14:49 IST

A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant will hear the CBI’s plea challenging the bail given to suspended UP MLA Kuldeep Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case.

Suspended Uttar Pradesh MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. (File image)

As the Supreme Court is set to hear the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) plea challenging the suspension of the life sentence of former Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the survivor of the 2017 Unnao rape case on Sunday expressed fear for the safety of her children.

“I have faith in the Supreme Court that it will give me justice. I am raising the voice of every women… Had CBI done this before, I would have got justice. His (Kuldeep Sengar) bail would have been rejected because he raped me,” the Unnao rape victim told news agency ANI.

“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,” she added.

A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, and comprising Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Augustine George Masih, has agreed to take up the matter on December 29, after the suspension of Sengar’s life term sparked widespread outrage. The CBI has moved the apex court against the High Court’s decision to suspend Sengar’s sentence and grant him bail during the pendency of his appeal against conviction.

What Did The CBI Say?

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had held that the aggravated offence provisions under Section 5(c) of the POCSO Act and Section 376(2) of the Indian Penal Code were not attracted in Sengar’s case, reasoning that he could not be classified as a “public servant” under those provisions.

Challenging this reasoning, the CBI has contended that the High Court’s interpretation significantly weakens the protective framework of the POCSO Act. It further warned that releasing Sengar would pose a serious threat to the survivor’s life, citing his influence and past conduct. Citing Supreme Court precedents, the CBI said suspension of sentence in life imprisonment cases is an exception and can be granted only in rare and compelling circumstances.

Protests At Jantar Mantar

Scores of protesters gathered at the Jantar Mantar against the Delhi High Court’s decision to grant bail to Sengar. A scuffle broke out between a group protesting against the bail and members of ‘Purush Aayog’ who supported the former MLA.

A woman held a placard saying “I Support Kuldeep Sengar”, arguing that rape should not be politicised. “I think she’s (woman supporting Sengar) mentally unstable. She needs medication. She will be the first and last woman to say that she supports Kuldeep Singh Sengar. We are not speaking without evidence. He is a convicted rapist,” a protester told ANI.

Unnao Rape Case

The case dates back to 2017, when a teenage girl (now an adult) accused then BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar of raping her. According to the survivor, she was assaulted at the legislator’s residence and later faced pressure and threats to withdraw her complaint. Initially, the police did not register her case, forcing the family to approach higher authorities and the courts.

The case drew attention after the survivor’s father died in police custody in April 2018, a day after he was arrested following an altercation with the accused’s supporters. Allegations of intimidation, misuse of power, and attempts to silence the victim led to widespread protests and criticism of the local administration. In 2019, a special CBI court convicted Sengar in the rape case and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

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