The Karnataka High Court on Monday questioned the maintainability of a fresh bail plea filed by suspended Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna, who faces grave charges of rape, sexual harassment, and circulation of obscene videos involving multiple women.
Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur noted that there appears to be concrete evidence against Revanna, and observed that bail cannot be granted simply because the trial has been stayed for co-accused persons.
“Even if there is stay against others, there are cogent circumstances against you… unless you show something extraordinary… can bail be granted?” Justice Yerur remarked. The judge, however, agreed to hear detailed arguments on April 15.
Allegations Involving Over 2,900 Video Clips
Revanna is the main accused in four separate cases, which came to light after over 2,900 explicit video clips allegedly showing sexual assault of women were circulated online. The first case was filed in April 2023 by a domestic worker who accused Revanna of repeatedly raping her at his family’s farmhouse since 2021 and threatening her with video evidence if she spoke out.
A Bengaluru trial court recently framed formal charges against him, including rape, voyeurism, criminal intimidation, and unauthorized distribution of private images.
Previous Bail Pleas
Revanna’s initial bail request was denied by the Karnataka High Court in October 2023, and the Supreme Court also refused to grant him relief. In March 2024, Revanna filed a second bail application, citing new developments in the case.
His lawyer, Senior Advocate Prabhuling Navadgi, argued that the filing of the chargesheet and a stay on the trial against co-accused persons amounted to a change in circumstances. “After four and a half years (since the alleged assault), a complaint has been filed with no explanation. I cannot be expected to languish in jail indefinitely,” he said.
State Opposes Bail, Cites SC Rejection
Special Public Prosecutor BN Jagadeesha opposed the bail plea, stating that the Supreme Court has already considered and rejected it. “He is the main accused in four separate cases. The stay on trial is only for others, not him,” the prosecutor said, seeking more time to submit formal objections.
The High Court is set to hear the matter next week, with both parties expected to present their full arguments on April 15.
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