Karnataka High Court rejects PIL for apology from Rahul Gandhi over remarks on Prajwal Revanna videos

The Karnataka High Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition demanding an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly violating the dignity of Indian women by claiming that Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna had “raped 400 women and filmed such act,” and that it was not a “sex scandal but mass rape.”

Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice K Aravind opined that the PIL was a waste of judicial time and also imposed a fine on the petitioner.

Counsel representing the All India Dalit Action Committee (petitioner) argued today that Rahul Gandhi had outraged the modesty of Indian women with his irresponsible statements, particularly the women of Hassan.

He urged the Court to at least issue notice so that Gandhi is directed to respond.

"He (Gandhi) is a serial offender. Earlier he had said that all those with the sir name 'Modi' were thieves. His (Gandhi's) own citizenship is under question and the Delhi High Court is seized of the matter. My Lords, this is a serious matter. I will not withdraw it. The dignity of all Indian women is at stake because of the concocted statements. I pray that at least notices be issued. Let them come and explain. Because of this statement, everybody is doubting the character of every woman in Hassan ... Let them come and depose before the Court. If in the end I am found wrong, then punish me," the lawyer argued.

The Court, however, was not convinced and dismissed the plea with a fine.

The petitioner's counsel then urged the Court to at least waive the fine. He also objected to the State's counsel questioning his motives.

The State counsel accused the petitioner today of trying to wreak vengeance while urging the Court to impose a fine.

"I can't be fined for something rightful that I have done. The State can't behave like a political party," the petitioner's counsel replied.

The PIL by the All India Dalit Action Committee highlighted that Gandhi made his allegations in a public speech without any proof.

In doing so, Gandhi misled the public, spread misinformation and also outraged the modesty of women as defined under the new Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, the plea said.

The plea added that Gandhi’s statement amounted to hate speech since he made allegations against Revanna with the aim of spreading “gender-based hatred.”

The PIL had urged the Court to direct Gandhi to tender a public apology for his statement. It also prayed that the Court issue directions to the National Commission for Women to take appropriate action against Gandhi.

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