Supreme Court to Review CBI's Appeal Against Kuldeep Sengar's Sentence

The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a petition from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday, challenging the Delhi High Court’s recent decision to suspend the life sentence of Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This case has garnered significant national attention due to its serious implications regarding sexual violence and political power.

A three-judge vacation bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices JK Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih, will examine the CBI's plea. The Delhi High Court's decision to suspend Sengar’s sentence, announced on 23 December 2025, has reignited discussions surrounding the justice system's handling of sexual assault cases.

Kuldeep Singh Sengar is currently serving a life sentence for the 2017 rape of a minor in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. The court's decision to suspend his sentence was based on the argument that he has already served a substantial portion of his term, which is seven years and five months. Reports from the Press Trust of India (PTI) suggest that the victim has expressed her concerns regarding this decision, emphasising her hope that the Supreme Court will rectify the situation and deliver justice.

In a statement to ANI, the victim remarked, "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. 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."

Protests at Jantar Mantar

In conjunction with the legal proceedings, protests have erupted at Jantar Mantar, a site in New Delhi known for public demonstrations. Activists and supporters of the victim gathered to express their outrage over the recent judicial developments. They called for greater accountability from authorities and demanded enhanced security measures for the victim and her family.

The victim reiterated her plea for assistance, 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?"

The demonstrators voiced their discontent with what they perceive as leniency shown towards Sengar, arguing that the actions taken thus far have not met public expectations for justice in such a high-profile case.

Background of the Case

1. The survivor, who was underage at the time of the incident, accused Kuldeep Singh Sengar of raping her at his residence in 2017. Despite her allegations, no immediate action was taken against Sengar.
2. In April 2018, the situation escalated when the survivor attempted self-immolation outside the Chief Minister’s residence, drawing national attention to her plight and leading to increased scrutiny of the case.
3. Following her father’s death while in judicial custody, which the family alleges was due to assault by Sengar's supporters, public outrage intensified.
4. In July 2019, the survivor was involved in a serious road accident that resulted in the deaths of two of her aunts and left her lawyer severely injured. The CBI later indicated that the incident appeared to be a deliberate attempt on her life.
5. Due to the severity of the case, the Supreme Court transferred the trial from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi. In December 2019, a Delhi court found Sengar guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
6. The High Court’s recent suspension of Sengar's sentence is conditional pending the outcome of his appeal against the conviction. He will continue to serve time for a separate custodial death case involving the victim’s father, for which he has not been granted bail.

The unfolding events are set against a backdrop of increasing public scrutiny over the justice system's handling of sexual violence cases in India, particularly those involving influential political figures.