The controversy erupted after Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar filed an FIR, alleging that BJP MLA CT Ravi used inappropriate language against her during a session in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly
Published May 19, 2025 | 5:55 PM ⚊ Updated May 19, 2025 | 5:55 PM
Supreme Court stays proceedings against BJP MLA CT Ravi. File Photo (Twitter/CT Ravi)
Synopsis: The Supreme Court has granted an interim stay on proceedings against BJP MLA CT Ravi in a case involving alleged derogatory remarks about Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar. Earlier, the High Court had dismissed Ravi’s plea, asserting that legislative privilege does not shield actions that demean a woman’s dignity—even within the assembly. The FIR was based on Hebbalkar’s complaint
The Supreme Court has issued an interim stay on the proceedings against BJP MLA CT Ravi in connection with a case involving alleged derogatory remarks made against Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar.
The controversy began when an FIR was filed based on a complaint by Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, accusing CT Ravi of using inappropriate language against her in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.
Based on the minister’s complaint, the police registered an FIR under sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (outraging a woman’s modesty) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
“CT Ravi abused me, using expletives several times. He also made obscene gestures at me,” Hebbalkar said in the complaint.
The MLC made the alleged remark while the Congress members were protesting against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments on BR Ambedkar after the Zero Hour.
Challenging this, Ravi approached the Karnataka High Court. However, the High Court dismissed his petition, stating that no special privilege can be granted merely because the accused is a legislator.
The court further noted that actions that undermine the dignity of a woman, even within the assembly, cannot be permitted under any circumstances.
CT Ravi then filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against the High Court’s decision. During the hearing, CT Ravi’s counsel argued that the Karnataka High Court had not overlooked certain key aspects before issuing its order and requested a stay on all trial court proceedings until the Supreme Court delivers a final judgment.
Following this, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Karnataka government seeking its response. The Court also imposed an interim stay on the arrest of CT Ravi and halted all legal proceedings against him in the trial court, adjourning further hearings in the matter.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
