The Supreme Court addressed the Unnao rape case on December 29, 2025, hearing the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) appeal against a Delhi High Court order that had suspended the life sentence of Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the former BJP MLA convicted in the case. A vacation bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih presided over the proceedings.

The Delhi High Court's December 23 decision to suspend Sengar's life sentence and grant him bail had stirred public outrage and prompted the CBI to approach the Supreme Court. The High Court's rationale was based on a prima facie finding that Sengar did not fall under the definition of a "public servant" as outlined in Section 5 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, thereby potentially invalidating the application of the stricter offense of "aggravated penetrative sexual assault".

The CBI argued before the Supreme Court that the High Court had erred in its interpretation, asserting that a sitting MLA occupies a constitutional position of trust and authority, performing public duties that serve the interest of the State and the community. The CBI contended that Sengar's position as an MLA at the time of the offense qualified him as a public servant under the POCSO Act, thus warranting the imposition of a harsher punishment.

The Supreme Court expressed its inclination to stay the Delhi High Court's order. Ultimately, the Supreme Court stayed the order of the Delhi High Court which suspended the life sentence of Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case. The court also issued a notice to Sengar regarding the CBI's appeal against the High Court's order.

In December 2019, Sengar was convicted of rape and sentenced to life imprisonment with a fine of ₹25 lakh. While the recentHigh Court decision granted him bail in the Unnao rape case, Sengar will remain in jail as he is also serving a 10-year sentence in another CBI case related to a murder.

The Unnao rape case dates back to June 4, 2017, involving the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. The case gained national attention due to allegations of political interference and attempts to shield the accused. The CBI took over the investigation, and the Supreme Court intervened to transfer the case to Delhi, directing protection for the victim's family, and awarding interim compensation.

Following the High Court’s order suspending Sengar’s sentence, protests erupted, with demonstrators demanding justice for the survivor. Advocates representing the Unnao rape survivor have also stated that they would move to the Supreme Court to challenge the High Court's order.

The Supreme Court's decision to stay the High Court order has been welcomed by many who see it as a step towards ensuring justice for the victim. Congress leader Mumtaz Patel stated that they are hopeful that justice will be given to the Unnao victim and that Kuldeep Sengar should be given a death sentence.