Unnao Rape Case: SC to Revisit Life Sentence of Ex-BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar Amid Ongoing Protests

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The Supreme Court will convene on Monday to hear a plea by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the Delhi High Court's decision to suspend the life sentence of expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the high-profile Unnao rape case. The CBI is contesting the high court's ruling, which came on December 23, 2025, suspending Sengar's jail term, citing that he has already served seven years and five months in prison. The victim, who was a minor at the time of the alleged assault, expressed her hope for justice, stating that she has faith in the Supreme Court and is relying on it to deliver a verdict in her favor. As the top court reviews the case, protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding stricter accountability from authorities and calling for Sengar's life sentence to be upheld. The demonstrators raised slogans, emphasizing the need for more stringent action against the convicted MLA. The Unnao rape case has been marred by controversy and delays, with the victim's family facing numerous challenges, including the death of her father while in judicial custody, alleged assault by Sengar's supporters, and a planned attempt on her life through a road accident in 2019. The case's complex history includes a trial court's guilty verdict in December 2019, sentencing Sengar to life imprisonment. However, the Delhi High Court's recent decision to suspend his life sentence has sparked outrage, with the CBI appealing to the Supreme Court to reconsider the ruling. Sengar will remain in jail, as he is also serving a 10-year sentence in connection with the custodial death of the victim's father. Key developments in the Unnao rape case: - The victim accused Sengar of raping her at his residence in 2017. - No action was taken for months, prompting the survivor to attempt self-immolation outside the Chief Minister's residence in Lucknow. - Her father died in judicial custody, with the family alleging assault by Sengar's supporters. - The trial was transferred to Delhi, and Sengar was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2019. - The Delhi High Court suspended Sengar's life sentence on December 23, 2025, citing that he has already served seven years and five months in prison.