What Does the Prajwal Revanna Verdict Mean for Justice?

Bengaluru, Aug 2 (NationPress) A significant ruling was delivered by the Special Court for MPs/MLAs in Bengaluru on Saturday as former JD-S MP Prajwal Revanna was sentenced to life imprisonment until death, along with a fine of Rs 11.5 lakh, in relation to a rape case involving a 47-year-old woman and an obscene video.

Special Public Prosecutors emphasized that this maximum sentence conveys a powerful message to law violators.

Prajwal Revanna, who is the grandson of former Prime Minister and JD-S founder H.D. Deve Gowda, faced serious charges.

After the court's decision, Special Public Prosecutor Ashok Nayak, representing the victim, stated, "The Honourable Court's verdict signifies that Prajwal Revanna will serve life in prison. This means he will remain incarcerated for the rest of his life. The court has applied penalties under all relevant sections, including a fine of Rs 11.5 lakh."

"Our request is that Rs 11.25 lakh of this fine be awarded to the victim, who is in a precarious situation and unable to confront society. The crimes occurred while the accused was serving as a Member of Parliament. This ruling sends a clear message to lawbreakers," Nayak elaborated.

Another Special Public Prosecutor, H.K. Jagadish, highlighted the severe impact of the crime on the victim, saying, "Today, Prajwal Revanna was convicted. Our arguments focused on the trauma suffered by an innocent woman and the social stigma she faced."

He criticized the opposing counsel's claim that the victim was leading a normal life, stating, "Only those who have endured such trauma comprehend the lasting effects of rape. Such dismissive comments are wholly inappropriate."

Revanna does have the right to appeal the ruling.

Judge Santosh Gajanana Bhat delivered the verdict.

The court found Prajwal Revanna guilty under IPC Section 376 (2) (N) for repeated rape, imposing a Rs 5 lakh fine. Additionally, life imprisonment and a Rs 5 lakh fine were imposed under IPC Section 376 (2) (k), which addresses offenses committed by individuals in a position of power over the victim.

The court mandated that the Rs 11.25 lakh fine be collected for the victim's benefit.

Prajwal Revanna was visibly emotional as the punishment was announced.

In his final statement, he questioned, "Why did this case emerge during elections? During my tenure as an MP, there were no accusations against me. Why did these allegations surface only now?"

He claimed, "The police are behind this; it’s politically motivated. I accept the court’s decision but have not seen my parents in six months."

When asked about his education, he claimed to have studied Mechanical Engineering, asserting, "You can check my academic credentials. I'm a high-achiever. My sole mistake was advancing too rapidly in politics."

The court also recorded statements from Revanna's senior counsel.

On Friday, the Special Court declared Prajwal Revanna guilty concerning the obscene video and rape allegations.

The case arose from a complaint by a domestic worker from K.R. Nagar against Revanna.

The court assessed 26 pieces of evidence linked to the case.

Prajwal Revanna faces three additional similar charges.

Clips purportedly showing him engaging in sexual assaults surfaced during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

After the elections, he fled the country.

Upon returning to Bengaluru on May 31, 2024, he was apprehended by local authorities.

This return followed public appeals from Deve Gowda and his uncle, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

Prajwal Revanna has been detained in Bengaluru Central Jail for 14 months, with multiple bail requests denied.

The video linked to the case incited public outrage, showing an elderly domestic worker at a farmhouse in Holenarasipura being assaulted. In the footage, she pleads with Prajwal Revanna for mercy, reminding him of her service to his family.