29 December,2025 04:13 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Kuldeep Sengar is a former Uttar Pradesh legislator. PIC/PTI
The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Delhi High Court's (HC's) order that had allowed the suspension of the life sentence of 2017 Unnao rape case convict Kuldeep Sengar and granted him bail.
A three-judge vacation bench of the apex court, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, was hearing a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the Delhi HC's decision, news agency ANI reported.
Staying the lower court's order, the CJI-led bench noted that Sengar, a former Uttar Pradesh Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), is already lodged in jail in connection with another case. The court made it clear that Sengar will not be released from prison.
The bench, comprising the CJI and Justices JK Maheshwari and AG Masih, also issued notice to Sengar, seeking his response to the CBI's plea within two weeks, ANI reported.
"We are informed that the convict is also convicted and sentenced under Section 304 (murder) of the IPC and that he is still in custody in that case. Considering such peculiar circumstances in the case, we stay the operation of the impugned order passed by the High Court. The Respondent (Sengar) shall not be released," the CJI observed.
Hemant Kumar Maurya, an advocate representing the victim's side, welcomed the order.
"I would like to thank the Supreme Court today. The victim also wants to express her gratitude. The Supreme Court has issued a strong order to the lower courts stating that the accused will not be released from jail in any case, and the order granting relief has been stayed. The opposition has been given time to file a counter-affidavit, and until then, he will not be released from jail under any circumstances. This is the order of the Supreme Court, and there is a stay on the High Court's order," said Maurya.
Meanwhile, Congress leader and women's activist Mumtaz Patel has demanded capital punishment for Sengar.
"We are hopeful now that justice will be given to the Unnao victim. Kuldeep Sengar should be given a death sentence. A new law should come in which the rapists should be given death sentence," said Patel.
On December 23, the Delhi HC had suspended Sengar's life sentence pending appeal and granted him bail.
Sengar, who has been expelled from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was convicted in December 2019 in the Unnao rape case and sentenced to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 25 lakh. Following his bail from the HC in the rape case, Sengar continued to remain in jail as he is serving a 10-year sentence in another CBI case related to murder.
On Sunday, December 28, the survivor said she has faith that she will receive justice from the Supreme Court and appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure her safety so that she can pursue her legal battle without fear.
Speaking at a protest organised by the All India Progressive Women Association (AIPWA) in the national capital, the Unnao rape survivor alleged that Sengar had bribed officials, including a CBI Investigating Officer and a Delhi HC judge, and said her family had suffered severe consequences after his bail.
"I have faith that I will get justice in the Supreme Court. Kuldeep Sengar has bribed (Delhi HC) judge and a CBI Investigating Officer. My husband's job was snatched away, and my children and witnesses are under threat. Protection must be provided to those whom we name in front of the CBI. I request CM Yogi Adityanath to protect me in a way that I am able to fight my battle fearlessly," she told ANI.
(With ANI inputs)
