A special court in Bengaluru has sentenced former Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment for the repeated rape of his house help and the unlawful circulation of videos of the assault. The court found him guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape, voyeurism, criminal intimidation, and unlawful distribution of intimate images, as well as provisions of the IT Act. The case has drawn significant attention not only due to the heinous nature of the crimes but also because Revanna comes from a powerful political family, being the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and the nephew of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy.
The survivor, a 48-year-old woman who worked as a domestic help at the Revanna family's farmhouse in Holenarasipura, Hassan district, alleged that she was subjected to repeated sexual assault by Prajwal Revanna since 2021. According to her testimony, he recorded videos of the assaults and used them to threaten her, warning that he would release the footage if she ever disclosed the abuse. These threats led her to live in constant fear, and at one point, she considered ending her life after seeing the videos that documented her assault.
The special court for MPs and MLAs, presided over by Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat, convicted Revanna based on overwhelming evidence. During the sentencing, the Special Public Prosecutor BN Jagadish argued that the videos demonstrated Revanna’s sadistic mindset and highlighted his repeated pattern of abuse. He described Revanna as a habitual offender who had recorded videos of multiple women, pointing out that he was fully aware of the law as a sitting MP but chose to commit these crimes regardless. The prosecutor emphasized the need for the harshest punishment to send a strong message that political influence and wealth cannot shield perpetrators from justice. He urged the court to address the public perception that powerful individuals often receive lighter sentences compared to ordinary citizens.
Before the court pronounced its sentence, Prajwal Revanna broke down emotionally and questioned the timing of the case. He claimed that the allegations surfaced only during the election period, asking why no complaints had been made during his tenure as an MP if the assaults were ongoing. He attempted to cast doubt on the survivor's claims by pointing to the timing of the accusations, but the court rejected his arguments in light of the evidence presented.
The court sentenced Revanna to life imprisonment under two sections of the IPC, in addition to terms ranging from two to seven years under five other sections, and a three-year sentence under the IT Act for the circulation of explicit videos. Furthermore, it directed that the survivor be awarded compensation of Rs 11 lakh to aid in her recovery and rehabilitation. This verdict, the court said, must stand as an example that power and political status cannot override the rule of law.
The scandal surrounding Revanna broke out when explicit videos began circulating shortly after the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency, where he was contesting, went to polls on April 26 of the previous year. These videos showed multiple women being sexually assaulted, with Revanna clearly visible in some clips. The exposure of the videos triggered a political storm, leading to his suspension from the JD(S), which was in alliance with the BJP during the elections. Shortly after the videos surfaced, Revanna fled to Germany but was later arrested upon his return in May.
Revanna’s conviction marks a significant moment in India’s legal landscape as it demonstrates the judiciary’s resolve to hold powerful individuals accountable for their crimes. The court’s decision sends a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of political connections or social standing. The case also highlights the urgent need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable women from sexual exploitation and to ensure that victims have the support and legal recourse they need to seek justice.
This verdict not only punishes an influential figure but also reinforces public faith in the justice system. For the survivor, the court’s judgment represents a crucial step towards healing and reclaiming her life, while for society, it serves as a stern reminder that crimes of sexual violence will not be tolerated, no matter who the perpetrator may be.
