The Karnataka High Court on Thursday dismissed a case against BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal, who had been accused of making derogatory statements against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The decision, delivered by Justice M Nagaprasanna, came after a detailed legal examination of the charges against Yatnal.
Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dalwai, representing Yatnal, argued that the MLA’s comments were in response to remarks made by Rahul Gandhi during an international visit and did not constitute a criminal offense under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Specifically, Yatnal’s reference to Sonia Gandhi’s religious background and remarks about Dinesh Gundu Rao’s family were central to the controversy.
Dalwai contended that the statements did not meet the legal criteria for charges related to “outraging the modesty of a woman” or “promoting enmity between different groups.” These arguments were crucial in persuading the court that the case lacked sufficient basis for a trial.
Yatnal had faced charges under Sections 192, 196, and 353(2) of the IPC, which deal with the fabrication of false evidence, using such evidence knowingly, and assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of their duty. The defense argued that these allegations were unfounded and did not merit continuation.
During the proceedings, the High Court also reviewed Yatnal’s comments regarding Karnataka’s Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao, whom he had labeled as “half-Pakistani” due to Rao’s marital relationship with a Muslim. Although the court criticized these remarks, it found that the charges related to Rahul Gandhi did not hold enough ground for prosecution.
