The Karnataka High Court on Friday granted interim protection to BJP MLC and opposition whip N Ravikumar in a criminal case registered against him for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh.
Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar directed that no coercive action be taken against Ravikumar until July 8, when his petition seeking quashing of the FIR will be heard. In the meantime, the court instructed the BJP leader to cooperate with the ongoing police investigation.
Ravikumar had sparked controversy during a protest near Vidhana Soudha, where he was accused of making remarks against the Chief Secretary. Following a complaint by social worker Nagarathna, the police registered an FIR under Sections 351(3) (criminal intimidation), 75(3) (sexual harassment), and 79 (gesture or word intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The Karnataka IAS Officers’ Association condemned the statement, calling it “vulgar, defamatory, and a direct affront to the dignity” of the Chief Secretary and the civil service.
Ravikumar has denied the allegations, stating, “I have not made any derogatory remarks against the Chief Secretary.”
Appearing for Ravikumar, Senior Advocate Aruna Shyam argued that the case was politically motivated and aimed at discrediting the BJP legislator. She said the remarks were being misrepresented by the ruling party to malign her client.
Ravikumar’s petition, filed through advocate Suyog Herele, claimed the FIR (Crime No.66/2025) was filed belatedly by a person with no direct connection to the incident, allegedly to appease political interests.
Opposing the petition, Special Public Prosecutor B.A. Belliyappa contended that staying the investigation would demoralize the police and send the wrong message. “The entire lady IAS officers are up in arms,” he said, also referring to past controversial statements allegedly made by Ravikumar.
Despite the state’s objection, the High Court granted interim relief, restraining the police from initiating coercive steps until the next hearing on July 8.
