Did K'taka HC Favor BJP MLC N. Ravikumar in Objectionable Remarks Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka High Court grants temporary relief to BJP MLC N. Ravikumar.
- Concerns raised about the declining standards of political language.
- Ravikumar required to cooperate with the investigation.
- Allegations stem from comments made during a protest.
- Karnataka IAS Officers' Association demands apology.
Bengaluru, July 4 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court has provided temporary relief to Chief Whip and BJP MLC N. Ravikumar in the ongoing matter concerning alleged objectionable comments directed at Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh. The court raised concerns about the declining standards of language utilized by politicians.
During the hearing of the petition challenging the FIR, the High Court bench led by Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar issued an interim order on Friday, instructing that no coercive measures be executed against Ravikumar until July 8.
The court also mandated that Ravikumar fully cooperate with the investigation.
Expressing dissatisfaction, the bench noted that the language employed by politicians has reached a new low, stating, “Politicians are going to a new low.”
Ravikumar’s attorney argued that while protesting outside Vidhana Soudha, his client had made a statement criticizing the Chief Minister and the state government, which has been misinterpreted for political gain.
The bench inquired if the prosecution's complaint was based solely on a media clip.
In response, Special Public Prosecutor B.A. Belliappa played the video clip of Ravikumar’s alleged derogatory statement at the request of the court, urging the bench to deny him relief. He highlighted protests from IAS officers in the state against the remarks.
The prosecutor further contended that granting bail to Ravikumar might demoralize the police force and pointed out his alleged objectionable comments regarding Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Tarannum.
Previously, N. Ravikumar had clarified that he did not make any disparaging remarks against Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh.
In a press statement, Ravikumar expressed his shock over the dissemination of selective video clips and claims in the media suggesting he spoke derogatorily about the Chief Secretary.
The Karnataka police had filed an FIR against Ravikumar on Thursday for his allegedly offensive comments about Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh.
The Karnataka IAS Officers’ Association condemned Ravikumar’s alleged remarks, demanding an unconditional apology.
Ravikumar reportedly made the contentious statement on July 1 in the presence of the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and several police officials.
The Congress party alleged that Ravikumar, in expressing his frustration over the Chief Secretary’s absence during a BJP delegation’s memorandum submission, mocked her by suggesting she spends her days catering to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s tasks and only performs official duties at night.