CBI To Appeal In Supreme Court Against Delhi High Court Bail For Kuldeep Singh Sengar In 2017 Unnao Rape Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has decided to appeal in the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court’s order suspending the life sentence of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case.

The High Court had granted Sengar bail while his appeal against the 2019 trial court conviction remains pending. The CBI’s decision reflects its commitment to ensuring justice for the survivor.

The move follows protests by the 25-year-old survivor in Delhi, who also met Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi for support. The leaders assured her assistance in seeking justice and emphasised safeguarding her rights.

The court convicted Sengar, a former BJP MLA, of raping a minor in 2017. The survivor was a minor at the time of the assault.

While the High Court’s bail order offers temporary relief to Sengar, the CBI’s appeal seeks to uphold the life sentence and prevent any miscarriage of justice.

High Court Bail Conditions and Reactions

The Delhi High Court stipulated that Sengar must stay at least five kilometres away from the survivor’s home and refrain from threatening her or her mother, with any breach leading to immediate cancellation of bail.

Sengar remains in jail as he also serves a 10-year sentence linked to the custodial death of the survivor’s father. The survivor criticised the bail decision, warning it undermines women’s safety.

Rahul Gandhi also condemned the move, highlighting the survivor’s continued fear and calling for respect and justice.

“Is such treatment of a gang-rape survivor appropriate? Is it her ‘fault’ that she has the courage to raise her voice for justice? The fact that her perpetrator (former Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Sengar) has been granted bail is extremely disappointing and shameful — especially when the survivor is being repeatedly harassed and is living under the shadow of fear,” the former Congress chief posted on X.

The case has reignited debates about handling sexual assault cases in India and the need for strict protections for victims.

The CBI’s appeal in the Supreme Court aims to reinstate the life sentence and reinforce accountability for offenders, signalling the judiciary’s role in safeguarding justice for survivors.

Also Read: Delhi High Court Cracks Whip On Illegal Cafes; Orders Swift Action In Majnu Ka Tila Hotspots