Supreme Court Overturns Bail for Kuldeep Sengar Amid Unnao Rape Case Controversy

Supreme Court's Ruling on Kuldeep Sengar

New Delhi: On Friday, the Supreme Court annulled a previous decision by the Delhi High Court that had suspended the life sentence of Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former BJP MLA, in connection with the 2017 Unnao rape incident. The apex court instructed the high court to reconsider Sengar's appeal regarding his conviction and life sentence.

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, urged the high court to resolve Sengar's main appeal within a two-month timeframe. If the high court finds it challenging to expedite the decision, it should address Sengar's request for suspension of his life sentence before the summer recess begins.

Previously, the Supreme Court had revoked the high court's bail grant to Sengar following significant public backlash. The court refrained from commenting on the case's merits, allowing the high court to reassess the situation.

The Chief Justice also directed the high court to revisit whether an MLA qualifies as a public servant under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had postponed the hearing on a petition from the CBI contesting the suspension of Sengar's life sentence until the first week of May.

On December 29 of the previous year, the Supreme Court had halted the Delhi High Court's order that suspended Sengar's life sentence, ensuring he remains in custody.

The Delhi High Court's December 23, 2025, ruling stated that while Sengar was convicted under Section 5 (C) of the POCSO Act, an elected official does not meet the criteria of a 'public servant' as defined by Section 21 of the Indian Penal Code.

The high court had temporarily lifted Sengar's jail term, noting he had already spent over seven years in prison, which led to widespread criticism and protests from the victim, her family, and various activists.