The Karnataka High Court has stayed the investigation and FIR filed against BJP MLC N. Ravikumar over alleged derogatory remarks made against Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh. The order was issued by a bench headed by Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar while hearing a petition filed by Ravikumar challenging the FIR.
Ravikumar’s counsel argued that the complaint was filed by a third party who was not the aggrieved individual. The lawyer contended that the complaint was based on media reports and television coverage, and not a direct grievance from the Chief Secretary. The counsel also mentioned that an earlier complaint by a political party had not resulted in an FIR.
Government lawyers, however, maintained that the comments made by Ravikumar were inappropriate and damaging to the dignity of a senior woman official. They cited a Supreme Court observation stating that even seemingly minor gestures could be interpreted as offences if they harm a woman’s dignity. They urged the court not to halt the investigation.
Despite the arguments, the court ordered a temporary stay on the investigation, noting that no coercive action should be taken against the MLC. The case stems from a protest on July 1 near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Vidhana Soudha, where Ravikumar allegedly made offensive remarks. A complaint was filed by Nagarathna, president of the Nandadeepa Women’s Association, who claimed that Ravikumar’s statements insulted the Chief Secretary and women in general. Ravikumar has approached the High Court to quash the FIR and all related proceedings.