New Delhi, December 28, 2025 — The Supreme Court of India has scheduled a crucial hearing for December 29, 2025, to examine the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) challenge against the Delhi High Court’s suspension of the life sentence of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar, convicted in the 2017 Unnao rape case. The development has reignited national debate over judicial accountability, women’s safety, and political influence in India’s justice system.
Background of the Case
The Unnao rape case first came to light in 2017, when a minor girl accused then-sitting BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar of sexual assault. The case quickly escalated into a national controversy, exposing systemic failures in law enforcement and the intimidation faced by survivors of sexual violence.
In December 2019, after a prolonged trial, Sengar was convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and sentenced to life imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of ₹25 lakh, underscoring the gravity of the crime.
Delhi High Court’s Suspension of Sentence
On December 23, 2025, the Delhi High Court suspended Sengar’s life sentence, citing that he had already served seven years and five months in prison. The ruling effectively granted him bail, sparking outrage across the country.
Civil society groups, women’s rights activists, and opposition leaders condemned the decision, arguing that it undermined justice for the survivor and set a dangerous precedent in cases involving powerful political figures.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
Responding to the widespread criticism, the CBI filed an urgent appeal before the Supreme Court. A three-judge vacation bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant will hear the matter on December 29, 2025.
The apex court will also consider petitions filed by advocates Anjale Patel and Pooja Shilpkar, both challenging the High Court’s suspension order. The hearing is expected to be decisive in determining whether Sengar’s sentence will be reinstated or whether the suspension will stand.
Public Reaction
- Protests: Demonstrations erupted outside Parliament House and the Delhi High Court, with activists demanding that Sengar remain behind bars.
- Victim’s Family: The survivor’s mother has publicly demanded the harshest punishment, including capital punishment, citing fears for her daughter’s safety.
- Legal Community: Several lawyers criticized the High Court’s reasoning, arguing that time served should not outweigh the severity of the crime.
Key Issues at Stake
- Justice for the Survivor: Whether the suspension dilutes accountability in crimes against women.
- Judicial Precedent: The case could set a precedent on how courts balance time served with the severity of offenses.
- Public Trust: The outcome will influence public confidence in India’s judicial system, especially in cases involving politically connected individuals.
What Lies Ahead
The Supreme Court’s ruling on December 29 will be pivotal. If the suspension is overturned, Sengar will remain in prison for life, reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to protecting survivors. If upheld, the decision could trigger further protests and deepen public skepticism about the justice system’s ability to deliver impartial outcomes.