The Supreme Court of India has stayed the Delhi High Court’s order that suspended ex-BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar’s life sentence and granted him conditional bail in the Unnao rape case.
On December 23, 2025, the Delhi High Court had put Sengar’s jail sentence on hold while his appeal was pending, citing that he had already served seven years and five months in prison. The court granted him conditional bail, ruling that Sengar could not be treated as a public servant under Section 5(c) of the POCSO Act or Section 376(2)(b) of the Indian Penal Code.
Chief Justice Surya Kant, speaking for the Supreme Court, said,
“In view of peculiar facts where convict is convicted for a separate offence, we stay operation of Delhi High Court order dated December 23, 2025. Thus, respondent Sengar shall not be released pursuant to the said order.”
The Supreme Court also issued a notice to Sengar following the CBI’s plea challenging the high court’s decision.
Sengar was convicted in December 2019 for the Unnao rape case and sentenced to life imprisonment along with a ₹25 lakh fine. The Delhi High Court’s order sparked widespread protests, with demonstrators demanding justice and alleging undue leniency toward the convicted former MLA.
The survivor of the Unnao case, who participated in the protest organized by the All India Progressive Women Association (AIPWA), stated her faith in the Supreme Court to deliver justice. Her mother echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that the highest court would ensure a fair outcome.
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