In a significant development in the Unnao rape case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has challenged the suspension of Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence in the Supreme Court. Sengar, a former Uttar Pradesh MLA, was convicted in 2019 for the rape of a minor girl in Unnao in 2017 and sentenced to life imprisonment.

The Delhi High Court recently suspended Sengar's life sentence, noting that he had already served seven years and five months in jail. The suspension will remain in effect while his appeal against the conviction and sentence is pending. The High Court also stated that provisions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and the Indian Penal Code were not attracted in Sengar's case, as he could not be categorized as a "public servant" within the meaning of those provisions. The High Court directed Sengar to furnish a personal bond of ₹15 lakh with three sureties of the like amount.

The CBI, however, has filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court against the High Court's order. A CBI spokesperson stated that the agency decided to file the SLP at the earliest against the High Court's decision, which had granted bail to Sengar after suspending his life sentence. The central agency filed the SLP after reviewing the orders of a division bench of the Delhi High Court related to the case. The CBI and the victim's family had strongly opposed Sengar's appeal against his life sentence in the High Court, citing safety and threats.

The Unnao rape case drew nationwide attention, with the survivor and her family alleging sustained harassment and intimidation by Sengar and his associates. Several related cases, including those involving attacks on the survivor's family members, were also investigated by the CBI on the directions of the apex court.

Despite the suspension of his life sentence in the rape case, Sengar will remain in prison as he is also serving a 10-year sentence in a separate case related to the culpable homicide of the survivor's father. He was sentenced in 2020 in this related case.

The Delhi High Court's decision to suspend Sengar's sentence sparked protests, with demonstrators voicing strong opposition to granting him bail. The victim's mother expressed her anger and stated that they would appeal to the Supreme Court.

This move by the CBI marks a crucial turn in the ongoing legal battle, highlighting the commitment to pursue justice for the victim and her family. The Supreme Court's decision on the CBI's appeal will have significant implications for the case and the larger issue of justice for victims of sexual assault.