The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear an important case today related to the 2017 Unnao rape matter. The hearing is on a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against a recent order of the Delhi High Court.
The case involves former BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who was convicted for raping a minor girl in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Background of the Case
The incident took place in June 2017, when the survivor was a minor. After years of investigation and court proceedings, a Delhi trial court in December 2019 found Sengar guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment, meaning he would remain in jail for the rest of his natural life.
The case was transferred from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi earlier by the Supreme Court to ensure a fair trial, as the accused was a powerful political figure at the time.
Delhi High Court Order
On December 23, 2025, the Delhi High Court passed an order suspending Sengar’s life sentence while his appeal is pending. The court noted that he has already spent more than seven years and five months in jail.
The High Court also made a preliminary observation that Sengar may not fall under the definition of a “public servant” for enhanced punishment under certain legal provisions. Based on this, the court granted him conditional bail, including a high bond amount and restrictions on entering areas near the survivor’s residence.
However, Sengar has not been released from prison because he is also serving a separate 10-year sentence in the custodial death case of the survivor’s father.
CBI’s Challenge in Supreme Court
The CBI has challenged the High Court order by filing a Special Leave Petition. The agency has called the order “against the law” and argued that the seriousness of the crime was not given proper weight.
According to the CBI, the accused is an influential person and there is a real risk to the safety of the survivor and her family. The agency has also pointed out that higher courts in earlier cases have treated elected representatives as public servants for such offences.
Today’s Supreme Court Hearing
A three-judge vacation bench of the Supreme Court will hear the CBI’s plea today. The bench is led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Augustine George Masih.
The court may decide to stay the High Court’s order, issue interim directions for the protection of the survivor, or list the matter for a detailed hearing at a later date.
Public Reaction and Survivor’s Concerns
The High Court’s decision led to protests in several parts of Delhi, including India Gate and Jantar Mantar. Women’s groups, activists, and members of the public expressed anger and concern over the suspension of the sentence.
The survivor has said that she fears for her safety and the safety of her children. She has also claimed that security provided to her earlier was reduced. She has stated that she trusts the Supreme Court to deliver justice.
Why This Hearing Matters
This case is seen as a major test of the justice system, especially in crimes involving powerful individuals. The Supreme Court’s decision today could have a strong impact on how courts deal with sentence suspension in serious criminal cases.
All eyes are now on the top court as the nation awaits its next move in this long-running and sensitive case.
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