November 11, 2024: In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India today dismissed the bail plea of former Janata Dal (Secular) Member of Parliament, Prajwal Revanna, who is facing multiple charges of sexual assault. The 33-year-old politician, who has been accused of sexual offenses against several women, was arrested earlier this year following the circulation of explicit videos allegedly involving him.
The bench, comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma, rejected Revanna's application for bail after reviewing the case. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Revanna, had argued that the charges did not explicitly mention rape under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code. However, the court upheld the charges, which include rape, sexual harassment, and voyeurism, and refused to grant bail.
The case against Revanna came to light after disturbing videos surfaced in April 2024, showing alleged incidents of sexual assault. The videos were reportedly circulating in Hassan, Karnataka, just ahead of the second phase of voting in the Lok Sabha elections. These videos led to the filing of multiple cases against the former MP, who was subsequently charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The Karnataka High Court had also denied Revanna's bail application in October 2024, citing the seriousness of the charges against him. Revanna faces accusations of repeated sexual assault, intimidation, and voyeurism in connection with incidents reported in Hassan district.
Revanna was arrested on May 31, 2024, by Karnataka Police at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport upon his return from Germany. He had flown to Germany on April 27, a day after the Hassan constituency went to the polls. Authorities had issued a 'Blue Corner Notice' through Interpol, seeking information about his whereabouts. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), investigating the case, had moved for his arrest, which was formalized after an arrest warrant was issued by a Special Court for Elected Representatives.
In light of the charges, Revanna was suspended from the JD(S) party in April 2024, following the initial filing of complaints. He has been implicated in three separate cases of sexual assault, including the serious charge of rape. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between 2020 and 2024, with the victims accusing Revanna of exploiting his political influence.
Revanna’s legal team has indicated they will explore further legal options, but the latest rejection of his bail application means that he will remain in custody while the investigation continues.