BJP Legislator CT Ravi Booked For Abusing Female Congress Leader Gets Interim Protection From Karnataka High Court Till January 30

The Karnataka High Court in an interim order on Thursday (January 23) asked the State not to precipitate till January 30 any action against BJP Legislator CT Ravi booked for allegedly using derogatory words against Congress Legislator Laxmi Hebbalkar inside the State Council at Belagavi.

After hearing the arguments for some time, Justice M Nagaprasanna in its order dictated, "Heard parties. The issue revolves around the statements made by petitioner in Legislative council. Based upon the said statement a complaint is registered on 19-12-24. Prior to the said complaint, it transpires that Speaker closes the proceeding. Senior Counsel representing the petitioner would take the court through the 7 judge bench of SC in case of Sita Soren. What transpires between legislators in legislature is privilege and they would have immunity".

"Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) would vehemently refute the submission stating that all criminal acts that happen within legislature would not attract immunity. Crime would have to be investigated. The issue boils down to the issue of jurisdiction. Whether Speaker can close the proceeding, or crime can be investigated by agency. The issue needs an answer. List on January 30. Till the next date the respondents shall not precipitate," the court added. 

During the hearing senior advocate CV Nagesh appearing for Ravi said that some consideration is warranted by the court in the case as to whether the executive can step into the legislature's space. 

The court asked if the alleged incident happened in the State council to which Nagesh responded in the affirmative. 

The court then orally asked the State, "SPP sir, there is a communication by the Chairman of the Council that it is matter pertain to council and investigation being handed to CID is contrary to law". To this the SPP Belliappa appearing for the State said that the house was not in session when the incident happened.

The court thereafter asked Nagesh, "Your suggestion is that whatever is spoken you enjoy immunity whether house is in session or not?" Nagesh said that immunity would apply to whatever is spoken "within the house".

On the court's query regarding the allegations Nagesh said, "That I abused her. This has been inquired and adjudicated by the Speaker. He said nothing has happened. I would seek protection there was protest from entire opposition. The Speaker says nothing like that has happened. The basis or the foundation even according to the complainant is that her leaders came to be taken to the task or addressed inappropriately. Taped version do not disclose the words used by the petitioner and speaker closed the issue". 

Meanwhile SPP Belliappa while referring to the complaint said, "At approximately 1 pm when the house had just been adjourned due to protest by opposition. Thus Speaker was not in the chair. Our CCTV footage shows that he (petitioner) has uttered the words. We are awaiting FSL report. So Speaker does not have jurisdiction to inquire as he was not there". 

At the stage the court orally asked whether the Speaker can inquire into something only when he is in chair.  To this the SPP said, "The house was adjourned milord. The matter needs to be heard in detail. It falls within Section 79 of BNS. Therefore, it could not be held that criminal act come within the purview of parliamentary privileges".

Section 79 of BNS pertains to word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman. The punishment for this offence is simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and also fine.

The court then said that it would hear the matter on January 30. At this stage Nagesh said that day in an day out such things are happening and the court by an authoritative pronouncement should decide this issue.

Before parting the court said, "We will have to decide jurisdiction". 

Case title: SRI C T RAVI v/s  STATE BY BAGEWADI P S AND OTHERS

Case No: CRL.P 791/2025