Published Jul 13, 2026 | 3:52 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 13, 2026 | 4:36 PM
JD(S) MLA and former Karnataka Minister HD Revanna (Facebook)
Synopsis: The Karnataka government argued that the High Court erred in quashing the offence at the pre-trial stage and has urged the Supreme Court to restore the charge.
The Supreme Court on Monday, 13 July, issued notice to JD(S) MLA HD Revanna on the Karnataka government’s appeal challenging a Karnataka High court order that quashed the Section 354 IPC charge (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) in a sexual harassment case.
The apex court has sought Revanna’s response and agreed to examine whether the High Court was justified in dropping the charge.
The case stems from allegations made by a former domestic worker.
While the High Court had removed the Section 354 charge, other charges in the case remain.
The Karnataka government argued that the High Court erred in quashing the offence at the pre-trial stage and has urged the Supreme Court to restore the charge.
The Supreme Court’s issuance of notice marks the beginning of its examination of the state’s appeal; it has not expressed any view on the merits of the case.
During the hearing, a Bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice K Vinod Chandran asked why the Karnataka government had not challenged the High Court order dropping the charges under Section 354, IPC.
The Bench also noted that the maid had levelled allegations against Revanna and his son, Prajwal Revanna.
Also Read: Revanna, son Prajwal accused of sexual abuse, voyeurism and threats
The High Court dropped Section 354 on 19 November 2025, but upheld the sexual harassment charge under Section 354-A. The court also directed the trial court to examine whether the delay in filing the complaint could be condoned under Sectio 468 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Revanna had argued that the complaint was filed beyond the three-year-period applicable to offences punishable with imprisonment of up to three years.
Allegations of sexual harassment against Revanna surfaced after multiple rape and sexual abuse cases were registered against Prajwal, former Lok Sabha member from Hassan. One of the complaints — the domestic helper — accused Revanna of sexually abusing her.
Prajwal has been convicted in one of the cases and is currently in jail.
