the Karnataka High Court on Monday directed that the bail plea hearing of former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, who faces charges of rape and sexual assault, will be conducted in-camera. The decision aims to protect the identity and dignity of the victim involved in the case.

Justice M Nagaprasanna, who presided over the hearing, emphasized the importance of conducting the proceedings behind closed doors to ensure that no “ignominy” or public embarrassment is caused to the victim.

The Court also sought a copy of the chargesheet that was filed before the trial court by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case.

“This case must be heard in-camera. It cannot be heard in an open court. We need to ensure that the victim’s dignity is protected throughout the process,” said Justice Nagaprasanna during the hearing.

SIT’s Role and Concerns

The Special Public Prosecutor, Ravivarma Kumar, representing the SIT, had earlier requested the Court to conduct the bail application hearing in-camera, citing the seriousness of the allegations.

He expressed concerns that the details of the case might unintentionally reveal the victim’s identity in an open court setting.

Kumar further added that the content of the chargesheet itself caused discomfort when read aloud. Responding to this, Justice Nagaprasanna clarified that the in-camera hearing was crucial not just to avoid discomfort but also to maintain the dignity and privacy of the victim.

Defense’s Stand

Prajwal Revanna’s defense counsel, Prabhuling Navadgi, raised no objections to the in-camera hearing. He, however, requested access to the chargesheet, arguing that the rape charges (under Section 376 of the IPC) were only added at a later stage of the investigation.

Navadgi emphasized the need to review the chargesheet to understand when and where the rape allegations were first made by the victim.

However, the Court made it clear that the accused would only receive a copy of the chargesheet once the trial court officially takes cognizance of the case.

Case Background and Next Hearing

The SIT filed a detailed 2,144-page chargesheet on August 24, 2024, before a special court designated for cases involving MPs and MLAs.

The chargesheet accuses Prajwal Revanna of raping a woman who worked as a domestic help in his family’s household.

The chargesheet is part of an ongoing investigation involving four separate cases of sexual assault and harassment against Revanna.

The Karnataka High Court has scheduled the next hearing on September 12, 2024, where the bail application will be further deliberated.

Party Names:

• Accused: Prajwal Revanna, former JD(S) MP
• Prosecutor: Ravivarma Kumar, Special Public Prosecutor for the SIT
• Defense Counsel: Prabhuling Navadgi

Bench Details:

• Presiding Judge: Justice M Nagaprasanna, Karnataka High Court