The Supreme Court on Monday intervened in the high-profile Unnao rape case by staying the Delhi High Court’s December 23, 2025, order that had suspended the life sentence of expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. The apex court’s order has sparked strong reactions from both sides, with the survivor expressing relief and determination to continue her fight for justice, while Sengar’s family claimed bias and unfair treatment.

Supreme Court Intervention

A special vacation bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices J K Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih stayed the high court order, effectively blocking Sengar’s potential release. The stay ensures that the convict continues to serve his sentence while the larger legal issues surrounding his conviction are examined.

Survivor Reacts: Justice and Determination

The Unnao rape survivor, who had previously attempted self-immolation outside the Uttar Pradesh chief minister’s residence in 2018 to draw attention to her case, expressed relief following the Supreme Court’s order. “I have got justice from the Supreme Court. I will not rest until he is hanged. I will keep fighting,” she told media, reaffirming her resolve to pursue the case to its conclusion.

She also highlighted ongoing threats to her and her family, stating, “We receive threats even today. Only when he is punished will my family and I get justice.” She reiterated her faith in the judiciary, noting, “I do not make allegations against any court. I have faith in all courts, but the Supreme Court has given me justice and will continue to do so.”

Her family also welcomed the apex court’s intervention. Her sister described Sengar as a “monster” and expressed satisfaction that his bail had been stayed. Their mother echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that those responsible for her husband’s death—the survivor’s father—should receive the death penalty.

Sengar’s Daughter Alleges Injustice

On the other side, Kuldeep Sengar’s daughter, Aishwarya Sengar, voiced her dismay, claiming her family has been denied a fair hearing. “We have been stripped of our dignity, our peace, and even our basic right to be heard. Still, I hope for justice,” she said, while urging the media to question the survivor about evidence against her father.

Aishwarya alleged that there was an “age-old enmity” between the families, predating the 2017 rape case. She claimed that the survivor’s uncle, a history-sheeter with 17 cases against him, had attacked her family, and argued that the survivor had included her father’s name in the case after initially filing complaints against others. Despite these claims, she stated, “If my father has even glanced at that girl with ill intent, he should be hanged,” acknowledging the gravity of the allegations while maintaining her father’s innocence.

Survivor’s Lawyer Calls Stay ‘Limited Relief’

The survivor’s counsel, Mehmood Pracha, described the Supreme Court’s stay as a temporary reprieve rather than a victory. “This should not be called victory, but we have got a little time to breathe,” he said. Pracha expressed concern over the limited scope of relief and emotional strain on the survivor, noting that he could not even communicate the order to her directly.

Case Background

Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a political strongman from central Uttar Pradesh, has won assembly elections four times across three parties, most recently representing the BJP from Bangarmau in 2017. In 2019, he was convicted under IPC Section 376 (rape) and Section 5(c) of the POCSO Act for the sexual assault of the Unnao survivor.

In 2020, Sengar was also convicted under IPC Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) in connection with the custodial death of the survivor’s father. The high court, however, had ruled that while Sengar was convicted under the POCSO Act, an elected representative did not qualify as a “public servant” under Section 21 of the IPC.

The Supreme Court’s stay effectively places this reasoning on hold, acknowledging that the legal questions involved require deeper examination. The order reinforces that Sengar remains convicted under both the POCSO Act and IPC, maintaining his sentence in the interim.

Ongoing Legal Battle and Public Attention

The Unnao case, which has drawn national attention due to its political implications and the severity of the crime, continues to be closely monitored. The survivor’s insistence on pursuing justice, coupled with her family’s vigilance against intimidation, underscores the case’s emotional and legal complexity.

With the Supreme Court now involved, all parties await further clarification on the high court’s reasoning and the broader implications for Sengar’s convictions. Meanwhile, public discourse remains sharply divided, reflecting the intense emotions surrounding one of India’s most high-profile sexual assault cases.

The apex court’s intervention marks another critical chapter in the long-standing legal battle, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in ensuring that the rights of victims are upheld while maintaining due process for the accused.