Former MP Faces Life Sentence Over Sexual Assault
A special court in Bengaluru on August 2, 2025, sentenced former JD(S) Member of Parliament Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment for raping his 47-year-old housemaid on multiple occasions. The verdict represents a rare and historic conviction of a high-profile politician in sexual assault charges.
Crime and Conviction Details
The court found Prajwal guilty under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including aggravated rape (IPC 376(2)(k) and 376(2)(n)). He also circulated obscene video footage to intimidate the victim. Revanna was ordered to pay a fine of ₹11 lakh, of which ₹11.25 lakh is to be given as compensation to the survivor.
A Fall from Political Promise
Once seen as a rising political star, Revanna is the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and nephew of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. At just 35, he lost the 2024 Hassan Lok Sabha race following viral allegations and criminal charges. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing abuse of power—targeting a marginalized domestic worker for personal exploitation.
Victim Testimony and Legal Team’s Argument
The survivor stated she was assaulted multiple times at his Hassan farmhouse and in Bengaluru. Prosecutors emphasized how he leveraged his political position to intimidate her, pressing that the assault violated trust and constituted misuse of authority. Revanna’s defense claimed he was politically targeted and suggested the complainants did not come forward voluntarily—a claim swiftly rejected by the court.
Sentencing and Wider Significance
The case marks the first time a former MP in Karnataka has received a life sentence for rape. The sentencing reflects not only judicial seriousness but also sends a message that no one stands above the law. The court’s firm stance counters last year’s national outrage over elite impunity and calls for greater accountability.
Other Pending Legal Cases
Prajwal Revanna is currently facing two additional rape cases and allegations of sexual harassment filed by other women. Those trials remain pending, and no verdicts have been issued yet.
Public Reactions and Broader Impact
Prominent voices, including actor and former MP Ramya, lauded the verdict, saying “the law is the same for all”. The case has intensified debate on workplace exploitation of domestic workers, the need for protective oversight, and state mechanisms to address abuse by influential persons.
What Comes Next
- Revanna may appeal the verdict in a higher court, arguing mitigation or challenging evidence.
- The court-ordered fines and compensation must be disbursed promptly to the survivor.
- Judicial outcomes in the other ongoing cases will test the consistency and resolve of India’s legal framework in addressing sexual violence by public figures.
Final Take
The conviction of Prajwal Revanna stands as a landmark in India’s justice system—affirming that power and lineage offer no shield from accountability. For survivors and advocates, it reinforces the message that justice is possible, even when against entrenched political elites. The verdict may spark broader reforms in safeguarding labor rights and ensuring equality before the law.
