Supreme Court Dismisses Karnataka's Plea Against Anticipatory Bail Granted To Bhavani Revanna In Kidnapping Case

The Supreme Court today dismissed the State of Karnataka's plea challenging the grant of anticipatory bail to Bhavani Revanna in a case involving allegations of kidnapping of a woman.

Bhavani Revanna is the mother of Janata Dal (United) leader Prajwal Revanna, who is accused of committing sexual offences against several women.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan noted that the accused (Bhavani Revanna) is a woman aged 55-56 years and the allegations pertain to abetment of a kidnapping committed by her son. It further observed that the principal accused has been arrested and subjected to custodial interrogation.

Considering that the chargesheet has also been filed in the case, the bench concluded that interference with the order granting anticipatory bail was not warranted.

Background

In June this year, the Karnataka High Court granted anticipatory bail to Bhavani Revanna, emphasizing the importance of protecting women from unnecessary custody due to their central role in family life.

The Court acknowledged the State's allegation of non-cooperation by Bhavani Revanna, but noted that she answered all 85 questions posed to her by the police. It was observed that police cannot expect accused individuals to provide answers in a specific manner dictated by them.

The prosecution's argument that Bhavani Revanna had a duty to prevent her son from committing offences was rejected, noting that the responsibility of a mother to control adult children is not a legal requirement.

Further, the Court dismissed the contention that Bhavani Revanna was the main orchestrator of the abduction and that Section 364A of the IPC was applicable at that stage. It also noted that the complainant did not implicate Bhavani Revanna in the FIR, rather he named two other individuals.

Another argument by the prosecution that Bhavani Revanna's political background could lead to evidence tampering was also rejected, noting that her family ties and societal roots made her a suitable candidate for bail. Essentially, the Court found no evidence linking her to the alleged sexual abuses by her son.

Against the High Court decision, the Karnataka SIT moved the Supreme Court. Notice was issued on the plea in July, while the bench expressed reservations about Bhavani Revanna's alleged role and voiced that the matter shall not be politicized.

As per the prosecution, the complainant's mother worked for Revanna for about six years and was kidnapped by Satish Babanna on Revanna's instructions. The complainant claimed that his friend brought to his notice a viral video allegedly pertaining to the sexual assault on his mother and when he requested Babanna to send his mother back, Babanna declined to do so.

The police arrested HD Revanna (Prajwal's father) as well in connection with the case, but he was later released on bail. The prosecution has challenged this order and sought its cancellation.

Case Title: State of Karnataka v. Bhavani Revanna, SLP(Crl) No. 8386/2024