Obscene Video Case: Karnataka High Court to Rehear Prajwal Revanna's Bail Application on April 15
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Synopsis
The Karnataka High Court is set to reevaluate Prajwal Revanna's bail plea in the notorious obscene video scandal case on April 15. The court has expressed skepticism about granting bail unless extraordinary circumstances are presented, highlighting the serious charges against him, including rape and sexual harassment.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka High Court to review bail plea on April 15.
- Prajwal Revanna faces serious allegations including rape.
- Previous bail petitions have been denied.
- Chargesheet filed against him includes multiple serious offenses.
- Legal representatives argue circumstances have changed.
Bengaluru, April 7 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court, while considering the second bail application of former JD-S MP Prajwal Revanna in the high-profile obscene video scandal, expressed skepticism about granting bail unless he presents something extraordinary in court. The bench led by Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur made these remarks on Monday while reviewing Prajwal’s plea, emphasizing that the ongoing stay on the trial concerning other co-accused does not automatically qualify him for bail.
Prajwal faces serious allegations including repeated rapes, sexual harassment, threatening, and video recording of the acts. The court noted that there are substantial circumstances against him. "Unless you can demonstrate something extraordinary, can bail be granted?" the bench questioned.
Justice Yerur acknowledged that the bench would further consider his plea and scheduled the next hearing for April 15.
Prajwal's attorney contended that circumstances have shifted, as a chargesheet has been filed against him and the trial was stayed for the co-accused, which should entitle him to bail.
Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) B.N. Jagadeesha argued that the matter was escalated to the Supreme Court, which denied bail, asserting that circumstances remain unchanged and that Prajwal is the principal accused in four cases.
The SPP also requested additional time to submit objections.
Recently, a trial court in Bengaluru framed charges against Prajwal for rape, voyeurism, criminal intimidation, and unauthorized dissemination of sexual assault images.
The Karnataka High Court previously dismissed his bail petition in October 2024. Subsequently, he also failed to secure relief from the Supreme Court.
Prajwal's legal team filed the second bail petition in March.
The prosecution has charged Prajwal Revanna under various sections of the IPC, including 354 (A) (sexual harassment), 354 (B) (assault with intent to disrobe), 354 (C) (capturing private acts), 376 (2)(N) (aggravated rape), 376 (2)(K) (rape by a person in control), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 201 (disappearance of evidence), along with Section 66 (E) of the IT Act.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the sexual assault video case against Prajwal Revanna submitted a comprehensive 2,144-page chargesheet to the Special Court for MLAs/MPs in August of the previous year.
Revanna was apprehended at Bengaluru International Airport on May 30, 2024, upon returning from Germany, following a public appeal from his grandfather, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, and uncle H.D. Kumaraswamy, who is currently the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, urging him to face the authorities.
His father, JD-S legislator H.D Revanna, was imprisoned. Revanna and Prajwal’s mother, Bhavani Revanna, are currently out on bail in a kidnapping and rape case related to the sex video scandal. His younger brother, JD (S) MLC Suraj Revanna, also released on bail after being jailed for allegedly sexually assaulting male party workers.
A total of four cases have been filed against Prajwal Revanna concerning sexual assault and rape, with his bail requests consistently denied.
