Supreme Court to Review Bail of Unnao Rapist as CBI Appeals Citing Victim Threats

India’s Central Bureau of Investigation has moved the Supreme Court. The agency is challenging a bail order for convicted former politician Kuldeep Singh Sengar. The Delhi High Court suspended his life sentence last week. Sengar was convicted for the 2017 kidnapping and rape of a minor girl from Unnao.

The CBI filed a Special Leave Petition on Friday. Agency officials confirmed the appeal to news agency PTI. They cited serious safety concerns for the victim’s family. The high court’s decision had granted Sengar bail, suspending his life term.

CBI Cites Ongoing Threat to Victim’s Family in Legal Challenge

The investigative agency strongly opposed Sengar’s appeal from the start. The victim’s family also fought the petition in the High Court. They repeatedly cited ongoing threats to their safety.

According to the CBI’s statement, the family’s opposition was a key factor. The agency decided to challenge the bail order immediately. The High Court’s conditions included a ₹15 lakh personal bond. Sengar was also barred from coming near the victim’s Delhi home.

Despite the bail grant, Sengar remains in prison. He is serving a separate 10-year sentence. That conviction is for the custodial death of the rape survivor’s father. This ensures he stays behind bars during the Supreme Court appeal.

Legal Battle Continues Seven Years After Landmark Conviction

The case has seen a long and complex legal journey. A trial court convicted Sengar and sentenced him to life in December 2019. He has spent over seven years in jail since his arrest.

The Supreme Court itself had earlier intervened. It transferred the case from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi in 2019. This move was aimed at ensuring a fair trial away from local influences.

The High Court noted the lengthy jail time already served. It suspended the sentence pending Sengar’s main appeal against the conviction itself. Legal experts note the Supreme Court’s ruling will set a significant precedent. It balances sentencing norms against concerns for victim safety in high-profile cases.

The CBI’s Supreme Court appeal places the Unnao rape case back at the forefront of India’s judicial landscape, highlighting the enduring fight for victim protection within the legal system.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Why is Kuldeep Sengar still in jail if he got bail?

He received bail for the life sentence in the rape case. However, he is separately serving a 10-year sentence for his role in the custodial death of the victim’s father. This ensures his continued imprisonment.

What did the Delhi High Court order exactly?

The court suspended Sengar’s life sentence and granted bail pending his appeal. It set strict conditions, including a large bond and a ban on him approaching the victim’s family or their residence in Delhi.

What is a Special Leave Petition (SLP)?

An SLP is a formal request to the Supreme Court of India to appeal against a lower court’s order. The CBI used this mechanism to challenge the High Court’s bail decision directly in the apex court.

What are the main reasons for the CBI’s appeal?

The CBI is appealing primarily due to the threat to the victim’s family’s safety. The agency and the family had strongly opposed the bail in the High Court, arguing that Sengar’s release would intimidate them.

When did the Unnao rape case originally occur?

The crime occurred in 2017. The victim was a minor at the time. The case gained national attention due to the survivor’s fight for justice and the political profile of the accused.