SC denies bail to Sengar, asks HC to expedite Unnao rape survivor's father's death case appeal
The Supreme Court has denied bail to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the custodial death case of the Unnao rape survivor's father. The court has directed the Delhi High Court to hear Sengar's appeal against his conviction on a priority basis and decide it within three months. The victim's family has also been permitted to file an appeal for enhancing Sengar's sentence. The survivor welcomed the verdict, expressing her resolve to continue the legal fight.
Key Highlights
- Supreme Court denied bail to Kuldeep Sengar in custodial death case.
- Delhi High Court to expedite hearing of Sengar's appeal.
- Victim's family can appeal for sentence enhancement.
- Survivor expressed relief and determination for further legal action.
- Supreme Court stayed Delhi HC's earlier bail order for Sengar.
The Supreme Court of India has refused to grant bail to former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in connection with the custodial death of the Unnao rape survivor's father. The apex court has instructed the Delhi High Court to expedite the hearing of Sengar's appeal against his conviction and to deliver a verdict within three months. Furthermore, the court has granted permission to the Unnao rape survivor's family to file an appeal seeking an enhancement of Sengar's sentence. This decision comes after the Delhi High Court had previously suspended Sengar's life sentence in the rape case and granted him bail on December 23, 2025. However, the Supreme Court stayed this bail order on December 29, 2025, following a challenge filed by the CBI. The survivor, speaking after the Supreme Court's latest verdict, expressed her profound relief and a strengthened resolve to continue her legal battle. She reiterated her commitment to fight until Sengar receives the harshest possible punishment, stating that justice would only be truly served when he is hanged. The survivor's statement draws a parallel to the Nirbhaya case, expressing that if she had met a similar fate, her ordeal might have been taken more seriously. She highlighted that even after eight years, she still has to prove the assault, underscoring the long and arduous nature of her fight for justice. The Supreme Court's directive to the Delhi High Court to hear Sengar's appeal 'out-of-turn' signifies the urgency with which the judiciary is addressing these matters. The court also expressed its disapproval of media trials and statements made by legal counsel, emphasizing the need for the judicial process to remain untainted by external pressures. Sengar, who is already serving a life sentence for the rape of the minor survivor in 2017, was convicted in the custodial death case of the survivor's father on March 4, 2020, and sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The father had died in police custody on April 9, 2018, after being arrested on allegedly false charges orchestrated by Sengar. The legal proceedings have been lengthy and complex, with Sengar's earlier plea for bail being rejected by the Delhi High Court on January 19, 2026. The Supreme Court's intervention on December 29, 2025, staying the Delhi High Court's bail order, was a significant development, preventing Sengar's release. The survivor's continued fight, her appeal for the death penalty for Sengar, and her concerns about ongoing threats underscore the deeply personal and persistent struggle for justice in this high-profile case. The case also highlights the broader societal issues surrounding sexual violence, the challenges faced by survivors in seeking justice, and the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Supreme Court's decision regarding Kuldeep Sengar's bail plea?
The Supreme Court denied bail to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the case related to the custodial death of the Unnao rape survivor's father.
What is the status of Kuldeep Sengar's appeal against his conviction?
The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi High Court to hear Kuldeep Sengar's appeal against his conviction on a priority basis and decide it within three months.
What is the Unnao rape survivor's reaction to the Supreme Court's verdict?
The Unnao rape survivor welcomed the Supreme Court's decision, expressing relief and stating her resolve to continue the legal fight until justice is fully served.