"Karnataka High Court Refuses Urgent Hearing of PIL Against Rahul Gandhi for 'Mass Rape' Comment on Prajwal Revanna"

 

On Thursday, the Karnataka High Court declined to hear urgently a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought action against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly making objectionable comments during a public speech. The remarks in question pertained to a claim that 'mass rape' had been committed by former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna. A division bench consisting of Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice K V Aravind decided not to issue a notice regarding the petition filed by the All India Dalit Action Committee, stating, “No urgency, no notice to the respondents to be issued. List the matter for further hearing on October 21.”

The controversy arose from speeches made by Gandhi on May 2 during election rallies in Shivamogga and Raichur, prior to the polls held on May 7. Counsel for the petitioner argued that the town of Hassan is relatively small, and the community has been adversely affected by what they term as hate speech, causing mistrust and suspicion among households.

The PIL calls for legal action against Gandhi for his alleged hate speech, claiming it outraged the modesty of women and disrespected the Constitution. The petition, filed by Chi Na Ramu, the National President of the All India Dalit Action Committee, also requests that Gandhi issue an unconditional apology to women for his purportedly unconstitutional remarks.

Additionally, the plea seeks to impose token costs on Gandhi for what is described as a gross misuse of his public position, breach of public trust, and violations of various legal provisions. These include the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Parliamentary Elections in 2024, and provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The case is titled All India Dalit Action Committee vs. Rahul Gandhi & Others, with Case No: WP 20712/2024.

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