Unveiling the Shadows: Three Alarming Insights from the Unnao Rape Case Bail Verdict

Unveiling the Shadows: Three Alarming Insights from the Unnao Rape Case Bail Verdict

Sengar’s bail has fueled suspicions of a pervasive “bribe for bail” practice within India’s courts, where high-profile individuals allegedly influence rulings through corruption.

By Rakesh Raman
New Delhi | December 25, 2025

The Delhi High Court’s recent decision to grant bail to Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former BJP leader convicted in the 2017 Unnao rape case and serving a life sentence, has ignited widespread fury and disbelief. This ruling, which allows a convicted politician temporary release, has not only shaken public trust but also exposed deeper flaws in India’s political and judicial systems. Far from being a standalone event, the bail highlights systemic issues at the crossroads of power, justice, and governance. In this analysis, we delve into three critical revelations from this controversial verdict that demand public attention.

The Survivor’s Anguish: A Stark Reminder of Unequal Justice

At the heart of this controversy is the profound suffering endured by the victim. Now 25 years old, the survivor of the 2017 assault in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, publicly protested in Delhi against the bail, describing it as akin to a “death sentence” for her and others like her.

Her poignant words underscore a grim reality: in cases involving influential figures, wealth and connections often seem to outweigh evidence and legal principles. “If someone like this convict can secure bail, how can the daughters of our nation feel secure?” she questioned, highlighting a perceived divide in the justice system—one that favors the affluent and powerful while leaving ordinary victims vulnerable and disillusioned. This reaction transforms the legal outcome into a symbol of broader inequality, where the scales of justice appear tipped against the powerless.

Judicial Integrity in Question: The Rise of ‘Bribe for Bail’ Allegations

Sengar’s bail has fueled suspicions of a pervasive “bribe for bail” practice within India’s courts, where high-profile individuals allegedly influence rulings through corruption. This case is seen by many as emblematic of a troubling trend that undermines the judiciary’s credibility.

Notably, while a convicted rapist walks free on bail, others—such as activist Umar Khalid and Sikh leader Amritpal Singh—remain imprisoned without conviction for merely voicing dissent against authorities. This disparity prompts serious concerns about judicial impartiality and priorities. Reports, including the India Judicial Research Report 2025, detail these alleged systemic lapses, painting a picture of a judiciary potentially swayed by external pressures. Such perceptions erode public confidence, turning courts into arenas for political influence rather than bastions of fairness.

Political Maneuvering: Distraction from a Greater Electoral Threat?

On the political front, interpretations of Sengar’s release vary. Some view it as a strategic move to leverage the former Uttar Pradesh MLA’s influence in upcoming elections for the BJP. However, a more insidious theory suggests it’s part of a larger ploy: creating public outrage to divert attention from alleged widespread election fraud via manipulated Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Proponents of this view argue that the BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, doesn’t require figures like Sengar for electoral success but uses such scandals as smokescreens to obscure deeper manipulations in the democratic process. This perspective reframes the bail not as an isolated injustice but as a calculated element in a broader assault on electoral integrity, challenging the foundations of India’s democracy.

In essence, the bail granted to Kuldeep Singh Sengar transcends a single legal reprieve—it exposes the vulnerabilities in a system where justice, politics, and power intersect unevenly. From the survivor’s personal torment to allegations of judicial corruption and potential political deceit, these insights compel us to question and reform our institutions. As the CBI prepares to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court, the nation watches closely, hoping for a restoration of faith in equity and accountability.

By Rakesh Raman, who is a national award-winning journalist and social activist. He is the founder of a humanitarian organization RMN Foundation which is working in diverse areas to help the disadvantaged and distressed people in the society.