The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Delhi High Court’s order that had suspended the life sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and granted him conditional bail in the Unnao rape case.
On December 23, the Delhi High Court had put Sengar’s jail sentence on hold while his appeal was pending, noting that he had already spent over seven years and five months in prison. The order had led to his release on conditional bail, triggering widespread protests and criticism.
Staying the high court’s decision, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said, “In view of the peculiar facts where the convict is convicted for a separate offence, we stay the operation of the Delhi High Court order dated December 23, 2025. Thus, the respondent shall not be released pursuant to the said order.”
The apex court also issued a notice to Sengar on a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which challenged the suspension of his life sentence. The CBI had objected to the high court’s observation 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.
Sengar was convicted in December 2019 in the Unnao rape case and sentenced to life imprisonment along with a fine of ₹25 lakh. The Delhi High Court’s recent order had sparked protests, including demonstrations in which the survivor participated, demanding justice and opposing any relief granted to the convict.
Earlier, the survivor expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would deliver justice. Speaking at a protest organised by the All India Progressive Women Association (AIPWA) in Delhi, she alleged corruption and undue influence in the handling of the case. Protesters also raised slogans against what they described as unwarranted leniency towards the convict.
The survivor’s family has reiterated its faith in the Supreme Court, hoping the stay on bail will ensure accountability and justice in the case.