New Delhi, December 28, 2025 – The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear on Monday a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the Delhi High Court’s recent order suspending the life sentenceof expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. The case has once again brought the spotlight on the long-drawn legal battle surrounding one of India’s most high-profile sexual assault cases, with public outrage spilling onto the streets in the nation’s capital.

A three-judge vacation bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices JK Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih, is likely to hear the matter. The Delhi High Court, on December 23, 2025, suspended Sengar’s life sentence, citing that he had already served seven years and five months in prison. This order granted him conditional bail, pending the hearing of his appeal against the conviction.

The development has reignited anger among women’s rights activists, the survivor’s family, and the general public. A large protest was held at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where demonstrators raised slogans demanding justice and stronger accountability from authorities. The protest focused on what participants described as “undue leniency” towards Sengar, with activists demanding stricter action against him and enhanced security for the survivor and her family.

The victim of the Unnao case expressed her hope and faith in the Supreme Court to deliver justice. Speaking to ANI, she said, “I have faith in the Supreme Court that it will give me justice. I am raising the voice of every woman. Had the CBI taken action earlier, I would have got justice. His bail would have been rejected because he raped me. My father was killed. My family members were killed. The security of my family members and witnesses was removed. My husband was fired from his job. My children are unsafe at home.”

The survivor also called for greater protection from the state, stating, “I’m requesting the chief minister to provide us security; these people are powerful. Please save your daughter. My husband was expelled from his job, we are unemployed, where will we go?”

Background of the Case

The Unnao rape case revolves around a survivor who was a minor at the time she accused Kuldeep Singh Sengar of sexually assaulting her at his residence in 2017. The case became notorious not only for the crime but also for the systemic failures in ensuring justice for the survivor and her family.

1. Delayed Action: For several months after the complaint was lodged, no significant action was taken against Sengar. The lack of accountability drew widespread criticism and fueled public outrage.
2. Self-immolation Attempt: In April 2018, the survivor attempted to set herself on fire outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Lucknow, drawing nationwide attention and pressuring authorities to act.
3. Custodial Death of the Survivor’s Father: Shortly thereafter, the survivor’s father died while in judicial custody. The family alleged that he was assaulted by Sengar’s supporters inside Unnao Jail. The incident added further intensity to the public outcry and highlighted the grave risks faced by those seeking justice.
4. Road Accident Targeting Survivor: In July 2019, during trial proceedings, the survivor was critically injured in a road accident when a truck rammed into her car. The crash killed two of her aunts, and her lawyer sustained severe injuries. The CBI later described the accident as a planned attempt on the survivor’s life.
5. Transfer of Trial to Delhi: Given the gravity and sensitivity of the case, the Supreme Court transferred the trial from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi. This move was aimed at ensuring a fair trial, free from local pressures and intimidation.
6. Conviction and Life Sentence: In December 2019, a Delhi court found Sengar guilty of rape and sentenced him to life imprisonment. This conviction marked a critical milestone in a case that had exposed systemic gaps in law enforcement and judicial responsiveness to crimes against women.
7. High Court Suspension of Sentence: On December 23, 2025, the Delhi High Court suspended Sengar’s life sentence, granting him conditional bail pending the appeal against his conviction. While the High Court acknowledged that Sengar had served over seven years, the suspension of the sentence sparked immediate public backlash and calls for urgent review by the Supreme Court.
8. Custodial Sentence in Father’s Death Case: Despite the suspension of his life term in the rape case, Sengar remains in jail serving a 10-year sentence related to the custodial death of the survivor’s father. He has not been granted bail in that case.

Public Reaction and Protests

The suspension of Sengar’s sentence by the Delhi High Court ignited protests across Delhi, with women’s groups, civil society activists, and concerned citizens gathering at Jantar Mantar to demand justice. Protesters described the High Court’s decision as lenient and disheartening, arguing that it undermines the gravity of the crime and the suffering endured by the survivor and her family.

Demonstrators also called on the authorities to enhance security for the survivor and her family, pointing out that they continue to face threats due to Sengar’s influence and political connections. The protests highlighted the ongoing gap between judicial processes and public expectations in cases of sexual assault and violence against women.

What Happens Next

The Supreme Court’s hearing on Monday is expected to focus on the CBI’s plea challenging the High Court’s suspension of Sengar’s life sentence. Observers note that the matter is likely to involve detailed arguments on the appropriateness of conditional bail, the severity of the crime, and the extent to which the High Court considered mitigating factors versus public safety and justice for the victim.

Given the case’s history, including delayed action, attacks on the survivor and her family, and custodial death of the father, the Supreme Court’s ruling is expected to be closely watched not just for Sengar’s fate, but also for its broader implications on justice delivery in high-profile sexual assault cases in India.

The CBI’s plea reflects the agency’s commitment to upholding the original life sentence and ensuring that the punishment for Sengar’s crime reflects the seriousness of the offense. Meanwhile, activists and citizens continue to push for reforms in protective measures for victims and witnesses, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards to prevent intimidation or harm during legal proceedings.

Conclusion

The Unnao rape case remains one of the most emblematic cases highlighting the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence in India. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the CBI’s plea on Monday, public attention remains fixed on the judiciary’s response and the outcome of a case that has already seen tragedy, resilience, and nationwide outrage. The proceedings are expected to set a precedent on how courts balance bail considerations against the severity of sexual crimes and the need for victim protection, while addressing public concerns for justice and accountability.