The Karnataka High Court on Friday dismissed BJP MLC CT Ravi‘s petition challenging proceedings over allegedly using an unparliamentary term against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar during a legislative session at Suvarna Soudha, Belagavi in December 2023.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna ruled that the use of abusive language toward a woman legislator has no connection to legislative functions or official business, and thus, cannot be protected under legislative privilege. “No nexus; no privilege,” the judge declared.
In a sharply worded judgment, Justice Nagaprasanna emphasized:
“The privilege of legislative speech is vital in democracy, but it must be exercised with responsibility and ethical restraint. The legislature is not a venue for personal attacks or gendered insults. While courts uphold legislative autonomy, privilege cannot be a shield against justice.”
Ravi’s counsel argued that legislative speech is immune from judicial scrutiny, warning that allowing prosecution could lead to excessive legal challenges against legislators. However, the state contended that no such absolute immunity exists for defamatory or abusive behavior.
The judge concurred with the state’s stance, stating the alleged words or gestures prima facie insult the minister’s dignity and degrade the legislature’s sanctity. He added, “Criminal acts within the House are not exempt from legal action. The matter remains under investigation.”
Read also: