A new legal petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of India, challenging the recent suspension of the jail term awarded to expelled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the high-profile Unnao rape case. The plea, submitted on Thursday, December 25, 2025, argues that the Allahabad High Court granted relief to Sengar without a proper consideration of the case's factual matrix.
Petitioners Challenge High Court's Decision
The petitioners, identified as Anjali Patel and Pooja Shilpkar, have taken the matter to the apex court. In their filing, they contend that the High Court's order to suspend Sengar's sentence was passed without adequately examining the true facts and the gravity of the offences for which he was convicted. The suspension had allowed Sengar, a former legislator, temporary release from prison.
This development adds another layer to the long-running legal battle surrounding the 2017 Unnao rape case, which had sparked nationwide outrage and brought issues of political power and justice for victims into sharp focus. The case involved the rape of a minor girl from Unnao in Uttar Pradesh, with allegations pointing towards Sengar's involvement.
The Core of the Legal Argument
The central argument put forth by Patel and Shilpkar is that the lower court's decision to suspend the sentence overlooked critical evidence and the severity of the crime. They assert that such relief should not be granted mechanically, especially in cases involving serious charges and influential accused persons. The petition urges the Supreme Court to review the High Court's order and consider the broader implications for judicial precedent in cases of sexual violence.
Kuldeep Sengar was expelled from the BJP following public pressure and was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by a Delhi court. The suspension of his sentence by the Allahabad High Court had become a point of controversy, with victim rights activists expressing concern over the message it sends.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court is now expected to examine the merits of the new petition. Its decision will determine whether the suspension of Sengar's jail term stands or is revoked, pending the final outcome of his appeal. This legal move ensures that the Unnao rape case remains under intense judicial scrutiny, highlighting the ongoing struggle for accountability.
The filing, as reported by Ashish Tripathi, keeps the spotlight firmly on a case that has become emblematic of the challenges in prosecuting powerful individuals within the Indian legal system. The nation now awaits the Supreme Court's response to this significant plea.
