The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday delivered a significant verdict, dismissing the plea filed by former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna. He had sought the suspension of his life sentence and consequential bail in a rape case registered against him at the Holenarasipura Rural police station in Hassan district.
Court Cites Gravity of Offence and Pending Cases
A division bench comprising Justices K S Mudagal and Venkatesh Naik T held that this was not a fit case for granting the reliefs sought. The bench's decision was influenced by several critical factors:
The material evidence on record, the severe gravity of the offence, and the potential impact on other pending cases against the appellant were all considered.
The court explicitly noted that Prajwal Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, faces multiple pending cases of sexual abuse. It was also highlighted that he was not granted bail even during the trial phase of the current case.
Arguments from Both Sides Presented
During the hearing, senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, representing Prajwal Revanna, argued that there was no incriminating material against his client. He contended that keeping Revanna in custody was unjust and pointed out alleged discrepancies in the evidence collection process.
Luthra also submitted that the appellant was not given sufficient time, as the conviction was pronounced on August 1 and the sentence was delivered the very next day.
Opposing the plea, special public prosecutor Prof Ravivarma Kumar presented a starkly different perspective. He vehemently argued that Prajwal Revanna's release would pose a serious threat to society.
Kumar emphasized the survivor's role as a witness in a separate abduction case against Revanna's parents. He expressed grave concern that freeing the appellant could lead to serious interference in that case, reminding the court that the victim had been abducted twice earlier.
What Happens Next?
The High Court bench, while dismissing the plea for suspension of sentence and bail, stated that the appellant could seek an early hearing of his main appeal if required. The hearing on this substantive appeal has been adjourned to January 12, 2025.
This ruling reinforces the judiciary's stance on serious sexual offences, particularly when the accused is influential and multiple cases are pending. The decision underscores the priority given to the survivor's safety and the integrity of ongoing legal processes.
