The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the Karnataka High Court’s decision to deny bail to former Member of Parliament Prajwal Revanna, who faces charges of rape and sexual assault. Revanna, a suspended Janata Dal (Secular) leader and grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, was accused by a 47-year-old former domestic worker of rape. The Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Bela M. Trivedi and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma.
SIT Investigation and Public Allegations
Earlier this year, videos allegedly showing Revanna in compromising situations with multiple women were leaked online. Following public outcry, the Karnataka government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations filed by several women. In one complaint, Revanna’s former domestic worker accused him of assaulting her in a locked room and recording the incident.
Defense Arguments Highlight Political Angle
Revanna's defense team, led by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, argued that the charges were part of a political conspiracy. They pointed out that the woman had remained silent for four years and filed the complaint only when Revanna was seeking re-election. Rohatgi also argued that the original complaint did not mention rape under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He requested the court to grant bail, citing that the investigation had been completed and Revanna had voluntarily surrendered after returning from abroad. The Supreme Court inclined to grant bail and refused to comment on whether Revanna could apply for bail in six months.. Last month, the Supreme Court also declined to intervene in the anticipatory bail granted to Revanna’s mother, who is accused of attempting to interfere with one of the accusers.
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