Anticipatory Bail Granted to BJP MLC N Ravikumar Over Derogatory Remarks Against Karnataka Chief Secretary
Bengaluru: In a significant legal development, the Karnataka High Court on Friday granted anticipatory bail to BJP MLC Ravikumar, who is facing an FIR for allegedly making derogatory remarks against state Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh.
The High Court accepted Ravikumar’s bail plea with conditions that include furnishing two sureties and executing a bond of ₹1 lakh. The court also instructed the MLC to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
An FIR was registered at the Vidhana Soudha police station based on a complaint filed by Nagarathna, president of the Nandadeepa Mahila Sangha. The charges include criminal intimidation and sexual harassment under sections BNS 351(3), 75(3), and 79. The FIR states that Ravikumar’s words amounted to gendered abuse and insulted the dignity of women holding high public offices.
Earlier, Ravikumar had moved the High Court seeking quashing of the FIR filed against him, which triggered a political storm in the state. The FIR was lodged at the Vidhana Soudha police station based on a complaint related to his alleged comments during a protest held near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the Assembly premises on July 1.
The case has taken a politically charged turn, with opposition parties demanding action and IAS officers registering formal protests. The bail order came from the special court for public representatives, offering temporary legal relief to the BJP legislator, even as calls for accountability continue.
The controversy is far from over, with the case now evolving into a larger political tussle. While Ravikumar has remained silent after securing bail, the IAS association and ruling Congress are closely monitoring the developments, suggesting more heated exchanges in the days ahead.
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