Karnataka HC Allows Probe Against Ex-BJP MLA Booked For Distributing Obscene Videos Involving Prajwal Revanna, Restrains Police From Arresting Him

The Karnataka High Court on Friday refused to stall the ongoing investigation against former BJP MLA from Hassan, Preetham Gowda, who is alleged of distributing obscene videos of sexual assault involving Janata Dal (S) leader Prajwal Revanna.

A single judge bench of Justice Krishna S Dixit passed the interim order while issuing notice to the respondents on hearing a petition filed by Gowda seeking to quash the offences registered against him under Section 67, 66E of the Information Technology Act and Sections 354A, 354D, 354B and 506 of Indian Penal Code.

The bench in its order said “This court is not convinced that it is a case for stalling the ongoing investigation process, therefore the investigation may go on at the discretion of the respondent in normative ways. However, there shall be no arrest and detention of the petitioner unless he cooperates with the investigation process. This order shall not come in the way of any material being discovered by the police.”

The court has directed the petitioner to be present at the doorstep of the investigating officer from morning 7 am to night 9 pm for the purpose of investigation.

Gowda was named as an accused in the fourth FIR registered against Prajwal Revanna by a woman.

Senior Advocate C V Nagesh appearing for the petitioner argued that the registration of the offence against the petitioner itself is bad.

Special Public Prosecutor Professor Ravivarma Kumar along with Additional Public Prosecutor B N Jagadeesha argued that it is our case that the petitioner has circulated the videos.

During the hearing, the court orally observed that the FIR is a skeletal document and blood and flesh can be put into it in the course of investigation. The incident (obscene videos) is an X level of sin and offence, and distribution is a different level.

Following this the court passed the interim order.

Appearance: Sr Advocate C V Nagesh for Petitioner.

Special Public Prosecutor Professor Ravivarma Kumar a/w Additional Public Prosecutor B N Jagadeesha for Respondent.

Case Title: PREETHAM GOWDA AND State of Karnataka

Case No: WP 17085/2024