Supreme Court Delays Hearing on CBI's Challenge Against Kuldeep Sengar's Bail in Unnao Rape Case

The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing on the CBI's appeal against the bail granted to Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. The court allowed the survivor to participate in the proceedings but denied a request for protective measures from her cousin. The case will be revisited in two weeks, as the court aims to address the serious implications of the bail decision that has sparked public outcry. This article delves into the legal proceedings and the background of the case, highlighting the ongoing fight for justice.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 15:09 IST

Supreme Court Adjourns Hearing

New Delhi: On Monday, the Supreme Court postponed the hearing regarding the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) appeal against the bail granted to Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former Bharatiya Janata Party leader, in connection with the 2017 Unnao rape case.

The hearing was deferred due to the absence of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi announced that the case would be revisited in two weeks.

Additionally, the court approved the application from the rape survivor to be included in the proceedings, affirming her right to be heard in the CBI's special leave petition.

However, the bench rejected a request from the survivor's cousin for protective measures, citing concerns for his safety if Sengar were to be released on bail.

The Supreme Court advised the applicant to seek protection through the appropriate High Court, stating, "Avail your independent remedy before the High Court for protection of life and liberty."

During the brief session, senior advocate N. Hariharan, representing Sengar, requested an expedited hearing, arguing that the liberty previously granted by the Delhi High Court had been restricted by the Supreme Court's interim order.

In response, the Chief Justice assured that a date for the final hearing would be scheduled soon.

The bench was addressing the CBI's challenge to a December 2025 ruling from the Delhi High Court, which had suspended Sengar's life sentence and granted him conditional bail while his appeal was pending. This bail decision sparked protests from the survivor's family and women's rights advocates, who claimed it undermined public trust and sent a negative message regarding violence against women.

In December of the previous year, the Supreme Court had halted the enforcement of the Delhi High Court's ruling, clarifying that Sengar would not be released based on the contested judgment.

In December 2019, a trial court found Sengar guilty of kidnapping and raping a minor, sentencing him to life imprisonment and imposing a fine of Rs 25 lakh. The Supreme Court had previously ordered the transfer of all related cases from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi and mandated that the trial proceed on a daily basis.