CBI Challenges Sengar Bail as Unnao Protests Continue
CBI approaches Supreme Court against Sengar’s bail, protests erupt.
CBI and survivor’s lawyers opposed Sengar’s petition, while women protested outside court demanding justice for the victim.
CBI Approaches Supreme Court Against Kuldeep Singh Sengar’s Bail in Unnao Rape Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken a decisive step in the ongoing legal saga surrounding former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar by filing a special leave petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court. This move comes shortly after the Delhi High Court granted conditional bail to Sengar in the high-profile Unnao rape case, highlighting the tensions between judicial decisions and law enforcement authorities in sensitive cases involving sexual violence.
Officials confirmed that the CBI carefully reviewed the Delhi High Court’s recent order dated December 23, 2025, before deciding to escalate the matter to the apex court. The High Court’s order had suspended Sengar’s sentence pending the final disposal of the appeal, granting him conditional bail with a set of judicial safeguards. While the decision allowed for his temporary release, it was underscored by significant restrictions aimed at preventing misuse of liberty.
A source close to the investigation clarified that, despite the bail in the Unnao rape case, Sengar will continue to remain in jail on account of another conviction. He is already serving a 10-year prison term in a separate CBI case related to murder, which prevents his immediate release from custody. This overlapping of legal battles illustrates the complex nature of cases against powerful political figures in India, where multiple proceedings often run concurrently, and bail decisions can be contested vigorously.
The Delhi High Court’s ruling and subsequent CBI petition have drawn widespread public attention, particularly because of the sensitive nature of the crime and the survivor’s ongoing quest for justice. In response to the bail order, several women activists and supporters of the survivor staged protests outside the Delhi High Court, holding placards demanding justice and accountability. Their demonstrations underscored the larger societal outrage over crimes against women and the perception that powerful individuals can manipulate the judicial system to evade immediate consequences.
Legal analysts note that the CBI’s petition to the Supreme Court is an effort to ensure that the survivor’s rights are upheld and that the judicial system remains uncompromised by political influence or procedural loopholes. By approaching the apex court, the investigative agency is seeking a re-examination of the High Court’s conditional bail order, arguing that the seriousness of the crime and the risk of potential interference in the ongoing investigation necessitate stricter measures.
The case continues to remain under intense media scrutiny, with every development being closely monitored by civil society and rights groups. For the survivor and her family, the legal process is not only a pursuit of justice but also a symbol of resistance against entrenched systems of power that have historically shielded perpetrators in high-profile cases.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the CBI’s petition, the nation watches with anticipation, reflecting broader concerns about women’s safety, accountability of public figures, and the integrity of India’s judicial process in cases of sexual violence.