Bengaluru, Jan 23 (UNI) The Karnataka High Court on Thursday restrained the state government from taking any further action on the FIR registered against BJP MLC Ravi, citing jurisdictional concerns.
The FIR, filed last year, accuses Ravi of making an obscene remark against Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar during a session of the Legislative Council.
Justice M Nagaprasanna, while issuing the interim directions, stated that the core issue revolved around whether the Speaker of the Legislative Council had exclusive authority to address the matter, given it transpired on the floor of the house. Alternatively, the judge questioned if the matter warranted investigation by an external agency.
The Court’s decision followed arguments from Senior Counsel CV Nagesh, representing Ravi, who contended that the incident fell under legislative immunity, referencing the Supreme Court’s March 2024 judgment in 'Sita Soren vs Union of India.'
Nagesh argued that as the alleged incident occurred within the legislature, it should not be subject to police scrutiny.
In contrast, Special Public Prosecutor BA Belliappa argued that criminal acts within the legislature should not automatically be exempt from investigation, asserting that all criminal offences require due examination.
Justice Nagaprasanna expressed that the matter needed resolution regarding jurisdiction, whether the Speaker could close the proceedings or if an external agency should investigate the offense. The Court then adjourned the hearing to January 30, further delaying any potential legal action against Ravi.
Ravi, who was arrested by Belgavi police on December 19, was granted interim bail the following day after the High Court raised concerns over the necessity of his arrest. The case remains a point of contention, with the judiciary poised to clarify the scope of legislative immunity in future proceedings. UNI BDN SSP