Outrage has spilled onto the streets of Delhi as activists and the family of the Unnao rape survivor staged a vehement protest outside the Delhi High Court. The demonstration was triggered by the recent bail granted to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the convicted rapist in the harrowing 2017 case.
Voices of Anger and Betrayal Outside the Court
The protest, held on 26 December 2025, saw participants from the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) joining forces with prominent activist Yogita Bhayana and the survivor's mother. The air was thick with chants and placards bearing powerful slogans like 'Balatkariyo ko sanrakshan dena bandh karo' and 'Gunehgaron ko bachana band karo', both translating to a demand to stop protecting rapists and convicts.
In a poignant statement that captured the collective sense of injustice, the survivor's mother expressed her deep anguish. She stated that the trust in the judicial system has been severely damaged by the decision of two judges to grant bail to Sengar. Her words underscored a feeling of betrayal at a time when the family sought finality and justice.
The Case and the Controversial Bail Decision
Kuldeep Sengar, a once-powerful figure, was convicted for the rape of a minor girl from Unnao in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. The case had shocked the nation due to the brazen abuse of power and the subsequent tragic car accident that targeted the survivor and her family. After being sentenced to life imprisonment, Sengar's legal team pursued bail, which was recently approved, leading to the current wave of protests.
The protestors argue that granting bail to a convict in such a high-profile case involving a brutal crime and intimidation of witnesses sends a dangerous message. They fear it could undermine the safety of the survivor and her family and dilute the severity of the punishment intended for such heinous acts.
Broader Implications and Calls for Action
The demonstration highlights a growing public concern over the perceived protection of influential convicts within the legal framework. Activists like Yogita Bhayana and organizations like AIDWA are demanding a reevaluation of the bail decision and stricter adherence to principles that prioritize survivor safety and justice over legal technicalities for the powerful.
The events of 26 December 2025 serve as a stark reminder that the Unnao rape case remains a potent symbol of the struggle for justice in India. The protest outside the Delhi High Court is not just about one bail order; it is a rallying cry for systemic accountability and a demand to ensure that the hard-won convictions in cases of sexual violence are not eroded.
