Karnataka High Court grants interim bail to BJP's CT Ravi

The Karnataka High Court Friday granted interim bail to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC CT Ravi arrested on December 19 by the Belgavi police for allegedly making an obscene remark against Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar on the floor of the Legislative Council..Justice MG Uma asked the police what was the tearing hurry to arrest Ravi even when the alleged offence against him carried a maximum sentence of three years.The judge directed that Ravi be released from custody “immediately” and directed the BJP leader to cooperate with the probe against him in the case.“What was the necessity to outrightly arrest him when the offence has maximum three years sentence? The manner in which the petitioner was apprehended by the police..is it not disproportionate to the offence even if the alleged offence is admitted? In other cases, even when a serious offence is committed, police won't arrest,” the High Court said..The High Court took also note of the submissions made by Ravi’s counsel, Senior Advocate Sandesh Chouta, who said that the police had failed to issue a notice under Section 41A of the CrPC or its equivalent under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Chouta also said the police had failed to provide his clients with the grounds of arrest.Ravi’s medical report showed injuries, which were probably sustained on his head during or after his arrest, Chouta said.While the State denied any allegations of assault, the Court asked how the police could explain the findings of the medical report..The Court also orally reprimanded both Ravi and Hebbalkar for their actions.“It is shameful considering that both are representatives of the people. It is like a horror show. Not just this case but whenever we watch any case involving political leaders case,” the High Court said..The incident occurred on December 19 when the House was adjourned following commotion over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on BR Ambedkar. Amidst the sloganeering, Ravi allegedly used obscene words against Hebbalkar who had objected to his sloganeering.Ravi was arrested soon after following a complaint by Hebbalkar’s personal assistant.