Court rules derogatory remarks made against Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar not protected by legislative privilege; CID continues investigation
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Friday dismissed the petition filed by BJP MLC CT Ravi, who sought quashing of an FIR filed against him for allegedly using derogatory language against Women and Child Welfare Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar during a Legislative Council session.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna, who heard the matter, observed that the words and gestures allegedly directed at the minister would have outraged her modesty, and that such conduct cannot be protected under the immunity granted to legislators.
The counsel for City Ravi, Senior Advocate Prabhulinga Navadagi, argued that the matter had already been addressed by the Legislative Assembly Speaker, and that legislative privilege should apply since the remarks were made inside the Council during the Belagavi session.
However, the government prosecutor countered that criminal acts committed within the legislature are not immune from investigation. Agreeing with this argument, the court ruled that legal scrutiny was necessary, dismissing Ravi’s plea.
The controversy stems from allegations made by Minister Hebbalkar, who claimed that Ravi abused her during a session. While Ravi denied the accusation, the alleged remarks were reportedly captured on government video recordings. A voice sample was sought for verification, but Ravi refused to cooperate.
Following a complaint lodged at Bagewadi Police Station on December 19, 2024, the case was handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a detailed probe.
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