Don’t take precipitative action against BJP MLC Ravi, Karnataka HC tells CID

Despite this, the case was registered and handed over to the CID, which is contrary to law.
Karnataka HC
Karnataka HC(File photo)
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BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) not to take precipitative action against BJP MLC CT Ravi, in connection with a case registered against him by the Bagewadi police, for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Minister of Women and Child Development Laxmi Hebbalkar.

The court noted that the issue involving the jurisdiction - on whether the Chairman of the Legislative Council would take up the issue and close it or the crime be investigated by any investigation agency - needs an answer. Therefore, the CID should not precipitate the issue till January 30, the next date of hearing, the court said in the interim order.

Justice M Nagaprasanna passed the interim order after hearing a petition filed by Ravi, questioning the legality of the crime registered over the incident that took place on December 19, and the subsequent order passed by the state government to entrust the probe to the CID.

Matter between legislators

Senior counsel CV Nagesh, representing Ravi, argued that there was a communication by the Council Chairman that the matter was between the legislators and the same was closed. Despite this, the case was registered and handed over to the CID, which is contrary to law.

Whether a session is going on or not, when the incident happened, there is immunity for legislators. But the matter was taken out of the jurisdiction of the chairman, Nagesh argued, while citing the judgment of the seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court in the Sita Soren case, in support of his arguments.

Countering, Public Prosecutor BA Belliappa argued that the session was adjourned at 1 pm due to a protest and the incident happened after the adjournment, which was recorded.

Therefore, the police have jurisdiction to conduct the investigation. The footage was sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory.

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