Fri May 02 10:18:18 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka BJP MLC C.T. Ravi Loses High Court Bid to Quash Criminal Case

**Bengaluru, May 2, 2025** – The Karnataka High Court today dismissed a petition by BJP Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) C.T. Ravi to quash criminal proceedings against him. Ravi is accused of making derogatory remarks against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar during a December 2024 session of the Legislative Council in Belagavi.

Justice M. Nagaprasanna ruled that the alleged remarks, if made, “certainly outraged [Ms. Hebbalkar’s] modesty” and had no connection to the Council’s official business. The court’s decision upholds the criminal case initiated based on an FIR filed by Ms. Hebbalkar under Sections 75 and 79 of the Karnataka State Penal Code, which deal with intent to assault or outrage a woman’s modesty.

Ravi’s defense argued that his speech, as a legislator, was protected under Article 194 of the Indian Constitution, citing Supreme Court precedents. However, the court rejected this argument, noting that the alleged incident occurred after the Council had adjourned and therefore did not fall under the protection of legislative privilege. The prosecution argued that while legislators have certain immunities, these do not extend to acts that outrage a woman’s modesty. The court also cited previous Supreme Court rulings addressing similar cases of misconduct by legislators. While the CID had previously been ordered to halt investigations, the court ultimately allowed the case to proceed.

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