New Delhi, January 19, 2026: The Delhi High Court is scheduled to pronounce its judgment today on the plea seeking suspension of sentence (bail) by former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who is currently serving a ten-year jail term in connection with the custodial death of the father of the Unnao rape victim. Justice Ravinder Dudeja, who had reserved the judgment on November 6, 2025, is set to deliver the verdict at 2.30 pm.

Background of the Case

Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former lawmaker from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, has been in judicial custody since April 13, 2018. He was convicted by the Tis Hazari Court, Delhi, for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, wrongful restraint, and voluntarily causing hurt, in connection with the custodial death of the father of the minor rape victim in Unnao. Sengar is also serving a life sentence in the Unnao minor rape case, which stems from FIRs registered at Makhi Police Station, Unnao.

The incidents date back to June 4, 2017, when the minor daughter of the eventual victim was allegedly lured under the pretext of employment and taken to Sengar’s residence, where she was sexually assaulted. The custodial death case arose on April 3, 2018, when the victim’s family traveled to Unnao for a court hearing. During this visit, the father of the victim was reportedly assaulted by Sengar and his associates, after which he was arrested the following day on allegations of illegal possession of arms. The victim later succumbed to multiple injuries while in police custody on April 9, 2018.

Legal Proceedings

In the current hearing, Sengar’s counsel, senior advocates Manish Vasisth and Kanhaiya Singhal, argued that Sengar had been in custody for nearly nine years and had only 11 months remaining of his sentence. They further claimed that Sengar was not present at the site during the incident on April 3, 2018, and pointed out alleged contradictions in the statements of key witnesses. They contended that the trial court had relied on Section 61 of the CrPC through Sengar’s secretary, Santosh Mishra, who was not examined as a witness, thereby undermining the credibility of the prosecution’s case.

The counsel also emphasized that Sengar had been granted interim suspension of sentence previously for his daughter’s marriage and had not misused the liberty granted to him. They argued that Sengar had been languishing in jail since 2018, barring that brief period, and urged the court to consider the remaining portion of his sentence while deciding the bail plea.

On the other hand, Advocate Mehmood Pracha, representing the rape victim, opposed the suspension of sentence. Pracha argued that Sengar does not deserve bail as the victim and her family continue to face harassment and threats, including defamation on social media. The counsel emphasized that granting bail could pose further risk to the safety and well-being of the victim and her family.

Previous Developments

Earlier, Sengar had been granted bail in a minor rape case on December 23, 2025, but the order was stayed by the Supreme Court on December 29, 2025. The Delhi High Court had reserved its judgment in the custodial death case on November 6, 2025, following detailed arguments by both parties.

The legal proceedings have been closely followed due to the high-profile nature of the case, which has drawn nationwide attention because of the involvement of a former elected representative and the heinous nature of the custodial death.

Court’s Considerations

The Delhi High Court is expected to weigh multiple factors, including:

• The seriousness of the offense and the impact on the victim’s family.
• The duration of Sengar’s incarceration, nearly nine years to date.
• The remaining portion of the sentence, which Sengar’s counsel claims is just 11 months.
• Allegations of harassment and threats faced by the victim and her family.
• Credibility and reliability of evidence, including witness statements, CCTV footage, and Section 61 CrPC statements.

The judgment will likely set a precedent in how courts consider bail or suspension of sentence for convicts involved in heinous crimes with ongoing risks to victims or their families.

Public and Legal Reactions

The case has been emblematic of delays in justice and the challenges faced by victims when the accused is a powerful political figure. Legal experts note that the High Court’s verdict could influence discussions on custodial deaths, political influence in judicial processes, and the treatment of convicts nearing the end of their sentence.

If the court grants suspension of sentence, Sengar may be released under strict conditions, potentially including house arrest, bail bonds, or restrictions on contacting the victim’s family. Conversely, if the plea is rejected, he will continue serving his term in Tis Hazari Jail, Delhi, and the focus will shift to the appeal process in higher courts.

Conclusion

As Justice Ravinder Dudeja prepares to pronounce the verdict at 2.30 pm today, the legal and public attention remains high. The case encapsulates issues of criminal accountability, political influence, and protection of victims, making the High Court’s decision a pivotal moment in the judicial handling of custodial death and sexual assault cases in India.

The outcome will determine not only Sengar’s immediate freedom but also signal judicial attitudes toward convicts with high-profile political backgrounds and ongoing concerns for victim safety.