Karnataka High Court Issues Notice On Janta Dal (S) Leader Prajwal Revanna's Bail Plea In Alleged Rape Case

The Karnataka High Court on Monday (April 7) issued notice to the state government on the bail petition filed by Janata Dal (Secular) leader and former MP Prajwal Revanna, in connection with the first alleged rape case registered against him at the Holenarasipura Rural Police Station in Hassan District.

Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur issued the notice to the state and directed it to file its objections by April 15, the next date of hearing.

Senior Advocate Prabhuling K Navadgi appearing for the petitioner, sought an early hearing of the petitioner. He argued that the coordinate bench of the court stayed the trial while hearing a petition filed by co-accused in the case.

On merits he argued that “I will prima facie show that after four and half years the complaint has been filed. There is absolutely no explanation on why the complaint is filed after such delay.”

Further he urged that “I cannot be languishing behind bars for reasons beyond my control, that is an important factor to be considered". He also submitted that “Even a single circumstance which alters subsequent decision calls for revisiting the entire matter.”

Additional Special Public Prosecutor B N Jagadeesha opposed the plea submitting that “The Supreme Court has rejected the bail and there are no changed circumstances shown in the present bail petition for it to be considered. Moreover, the petitioner is the main accused in the case. The trial has been held against other people.”

Following which the court orally said “The fact remains that the Supreme Court has rejected the bail application. Even if there is a stay at the instance of another accused, if there is cogent material against you and you have brought out something so extraordinary which was not considered by the earlier judge, can bail be granted.”

However, the court pointed out that due to paucity of time it may not be able to hear the matter. Following which it posted the matter for further hearing on April 15. It also directed the prosecution to submit on the point of merits raised by the petitioner.

Recently, the Additional City Civil And Session Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat framed charges against Revanna under Sections 376(2)(k) (rape by a person in a position of dominance), 376(2)(n) (repeated rape), 354(A) (sexual harassment), 354(B) (assault or use of force with intent to disrobe), 354(C) (voyeurism), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) and Section 66(e) of the Information Technology Act.

As per prosecution, the victim worked as a maid at a farmhouse owned by the Revanna family. It is claimed that from 2021, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Revanna repeatedly raped her and filmed the assaults in different locations. Further, it is alleged that Revanna used the videos to intimidate and silence her, preventing her from complaining.

The SIT is investigating three cases registered against Prajwal who is presently in judicial custody. The SIT had arrested Prajwal at the Bengaluru Airport on his arrival from Germany on May 30 last year. He has been arrested in Crime No.107/2024, registered with the Holenarasipura Town Police Station.

Earlier in October 2024 the high court had dismissed the bail pleas filed by Revanna and the next month in November 2024, Supreme Court had also rejected the bail application moved by him.

Case Title: Prajwal Revanna AND State of Karnataka

Case No: CRL.P 3292/2025.