The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has moved the Supreme Court to challenge the bail granted to expelled BJP leader and Unnao rape convict Kuldeep Singh Sengar. The decision comes days after the Delhi High Court suspended his sentence and allowed him bail in the rape case, prompting strong reactions and renewed legal scrutiny. The investigative agency has decided to contest the relief granted to Sengar after examining the detailed order passed by the High Court’s division bench.
According to sources, the CBI has confirmed that it will file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court at the earliest opportunity. In a statement, the agency said it had carefully reviewed the High Court’s ruling and concluded that it needed to challenge the suspension of Sengar’s sentence. The CBI maintained that the seriousness of the offence and the findings of the trial court warranted continued incarceration.
Earlier this week, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Sengar while his appeal against conviction is pending. The court ordered a suspension of his sentence, a move that immediately drew criticism from various quarters. However, despite the bail order, Sengar has not been released from jail as he is still serving a separate sentence in another case linked to the custodial death of the rape survivor’s father.
The High Court’s order had noted legal grounds for granting bail during the pendency of the appeal, but the CBI’s decision to approach the apex court indicates that the agency believes the matter raises serious concerns that need to be examined by the Supreme Court. The move is expected to reopen debate over the handling of high-profile criminal cases and the standards applied while granting bail to convicts.
The Unnao rape case had sparked nationwide outrage when it first came to light, leading to intense scrutiny of law enforcement and political accountability. Sengar, who was a sitting BJP MLA at the time, was later expelled from the party following his conviction. The case also drew attention due to a series of incidents involving the victim and her family, including the death of her father in custody and a car crash that killed her relatives.
With the CBI now preparing to challenge the bail order, the matter is set to return to the Supreme Court for further consideration. The case continues to remain under close public and judicial watch, and further developments are expected once the apex court takes up the petition.
