As the court gears up to rule in a case that exposed the dark underbelly of political privilege, today’s verdict may mark a decisive moment in Karnataka’s fight for accountability.
BY PC Bureau
August 1 — Suspense looms large as a special court in Bengaluru is set to deliver its verdict today in the first of several sexual assault cases against Prajwal Revanna, the suspended JD(S) MP from Hassan, accused of filming and raping multiple women. The case, which triggered a nationwide outcry, could mark a turning point in the high-profile scandal that has shaken Karnataka’s political landscape.
Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and son of former minister H.D. Revanna, is facing trial in connection with multiple allegations involving sexual exploitation, non-consensual filming, and digital circulation of obscene content involving women — many of whom were allegedly connected to his political network.
The verdict expected today relates to one of the earliest FIRs lodged against Prajwal Revanna. The complainant, whose identity is protected under law, alleged that Revanna raped and filmed her without consent. The prosecution has submitted video evidence, digital data recovered from seized devices, and testimonies from key witnesses, including forensic experts.
Sources close to the legal proceedings say the prosecution wrapped its arguments citing overwhelming evidence and psychological trauma inflicted on the survivor. The defence, however, has denied the charges, claiming the video evidence was fabricated and politically motivated.
If convicted, this would be the first judicial acknowledgment of Revanna’s alleged predatory behaviour and could set the tone for other pending cases. Legal experts believe a guilty verdict may result in a sentence of up to ten years or more under IPC sections 376 (rape) and 354C (voyeurism), along with provisions of the IT Act for digital circulation of obscene material.
The verdict will also have implications beyond the courtroom:
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Political Fallout: A conviction could severely damage the JD(S) brand, already under pressure from its alliance with the BJP. The party has maintained distance from Prajwal, but a legal blow could force firmer action from both JD(S) and the NDA leadership.
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Impact on Pending Cases: Legal observers say a conviction in this case could bolster the prosecution’s case in the other 24 FIRs reportedly filed against Revanna in Karnataka and Delhi.
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Signal to Victims: Survivors and women’s rights groups have called today’s verdict a potential “litmus test” for how seriously India’s judicial system treats powerful perpetrators of sexual violence.
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Anticipating strong reactions, security has been beefed up around the court premises. Women’s rights groups and student bodies are expected to gather in solidarity with the victim, while a section of Revanna’s supporters may also be present.
As the day unfolds, all eyes will be on the special court. The verdict is expected to set the tone for justice — not just in this case, but in the wider battle against abuse of power and impunity in Indian politics
