Supreme Court stays bail of Unnao rape case convict Kuldeep Singh Sengar

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Delhi High Court’s order that had suspended the life sentence of expelled BJP leader and former MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and granted him bail in the Unnao rape case.

“In view of the peculiar facts, where the convict has been convicted for a separate offence, we stay the operation of the Delhi High Court order dated December 23, 2025. The respondent (Sengar) shall not be released pursuant to the said order,” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said.

The apex court also issued notice to Sengar on a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the high court’s decision to suspend his sentence.

Delhi High Court order

On December 23, the Delhi High Court had put Sengar’s life sentence on hold while his appeal was pending, citing that he had already spent seven years and five months in prison, and granted him conditional bail.

The high court had ruled 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, prompting the CBI to move the Supreme Court against the order.

The decision had triggered widespread protests, with the Unnao rape survivor herself joining demonstrations demanding justice.

Sengar was convicted in December 2019 and sentenced to life imprisonment along with a fine of ₹25 lakh.

Survivor reacts

Earlier on Sunday, the survivor said she was confident the Supreme Court would deliver justice. Speaking at a protest organised by the All India Progressive Women Association (AIPWA) in Delhi, she alleged that Sengar had bribed officials, including the CBI investigating officer and a Delhi High Court judge.

Protesters raised slogans against what they described as undue leniency shown to the convict, while the survivor’s mother said the family has faith in the Supreme Court and hopes justice will prevail.