On December 29, the Supreme Court issued a notice and stayed the Delhi High Court’s judgment that suspended the life sentence of Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former four-time MLA, and granted him bail in the 2017 Unnao rape case. This intervention came six days after the High Court's December 23 order sparked public debate. Sengar was convicted in 2019 of raping a minor in 2017 when he was an MLA. The case was transferred to the CBI and trial shifted to Delhi. The High Court suspended his sentence mainly because it ruled that an MLA does not qualify as a "public servant" under the POCSO Act, which deals with sexual offences against children. The trial court had convicted Sengar under the provision for aggravated sexual assault by a public servant, which carries enhanced punishment. The High Court noted Sengar had served over seven years in jail and granted bail, despite the survivor’s fears backed by a history of intimidation and violence. Experts say suspension of a life sentence is rare and the Supreme Court requires a strong case showing that the convict may be acquitted before such orders are made. The top court will now examine the legality of the High Court’s decision amid concerns it narrows child protection laws. The case highlights challenges survivors face navigating the justice system and questions in law about defining "public servant." The Supreme Court’s stay raises fresh doubts over handling powerful offenders in sensitive crimes against children.