In a significant development, the High Court of Karnataka has intervened to prevent coercive action against Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, emphasising the alleged political motivation behind the charges. Bhat, known for his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), faced accusations of insulting Muslim women during a speech in Srirangapatna on December 24.
The vacation bench, presided over by Justice Rajesh Rai, heard Bhat’s petition and issued notices to the state and the complainant, directing the State Public Prosecutor to refrain from taking coercive action until the next hearing. Senior advocate Arun Shyam, representing Bhat, argued that the case was driven by political motives, asserting that Bhat had merely presented facts protected under the right to free speech.
The complainant, Najma Nazeer, alleged that Bhat violated several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, uttering obscene words in public, and promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion. Shyam contended that Bhat’s statements were well within the bounds of protected speech and accused the opposition of fabricating charges to tarnish the image of the organisation.
The High Court’s decision to halt coercive action against Bhat underscores the judiciary’s scrutiny of the alleged politically motivated nature of the case. It highlights concerns that legal proceedings may be used as a tool to silence dissenting voices and malign the reputation of leaders associated with the organisation.
Simultaneously, in a related development, the III Additional District and Sessions Judge in Mandya granted bail to Bhat in the Srirangapatna case. The court acknowledged Bhat’s recent cardiovascular surgery on April 5, 2022, stating, “Hence there is substance in the contention of the petitioner that he is suffering from severe cardiac health issues.” The court granted Bhat anticipatory bail, subject to a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh and a surety for a similar amount. However, it clarified that investigators could still interrogate him as per relevant provisions of the CrPC.
This legal reprieve for Bhat comes amidst a broader narrative that the opposition is utilising legal mechanisms to stifle the voice of leaders associated with the Hindu organisation. Critics argue that such actions are part of a deliberate attempt to spread a false narrative and incite hatred against the RSS and its swayamsevaks (activists). The court’s intervention raises questions about the credibility of the charges against Bhat and prompts a reexamination of the broader discourse surrounding free speech and political motivations in the country.
