Karnataka High Court Refuses To Entertain PIL Against Rahul Gandhi For 'Disrespecting' Remarks On Women In Relation To Prajwal Revanna Videos

The Karnataka High Court on Monday (October 21) dismissed a public interest litigation seeking action against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for making alleged objectionable comments during a public speech, stating that "mass rape" had been committed by former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna.

A division bench of Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice K V Aravind dismissed the petition filed by All India Dalit Action Committee which had also sought a direction to Gandhi to tender an unconditional apology to the women for the said "unconstitutional speeches".

The bench said, “We have not said anything on merits, we are not saying on the merits of the speech. We have only said this cannot be subject matter under public interest litigation". 

The petition alleged that speeches were made on May 2 at election rallies held at Shivamogga and Raichur that went to polls on May 7. Counsel for the petitioner argued that Hassan is a small town and households are affected by the hate speech and every household is doubting the other household now.

During the hearing, counsel for petitioner Ravi Shankar S S argued that Gandhi has outraged the modesty of women through his hate speech. He also submitted that Gandhi's remarks on Revanna are fabricated.

“He (Rahul) is habitual and he had once called persons with surname of Modi as thieves, despite holding such an important post of Leader of Opposition," the counsel submitted.

The PIL had sought legal action against Gandhi for his alleged hate speech, resulting in outraging the modesty of women and for showing disrespect to the Constitution.

The petition filed through the National President of the Association, Chi Na Ramu also sought a direction to Gandhi to tender an unconditional apology to the women for said unconstitutional speeches.

Moreover, plea sought to impose a token cost on Gandhi for gross misuse of public post, breach of public trust, violations of Constitutional provisions, provisions under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, violations of Model Code of Conduct in Parliamentary Election 2024 and violations of provisions of the Representations of the Peoples Act 1951.

Case Title: ALL INDIA DALIT ACTION COMMITTEE ® AND Rahul Gandhi & Others

Case No: WP 20712/2024

Citation No: 2024 LiveLaw (Kar) 444