The Karnataka High Court rebuked Congress leader Rajeev Gowda for his involvement in a case concerning threats and verbal abuse directed at a female Municipal Commissioner over the phone. The court questioned why serious charges were not pressed against Gowda for his actions. Rajeev Gowda, who is currently evading authorities, had a petition filed on his behalf by his advocate seeking to dismiss the FIR against him.
The High Court expressed concern over the absence of certain sections, such as BNS Sections 71 and 79, in the charges against Gowda despite his use of offensive language towards the woman officer. The court highlighted the importance of respect towards women and the irreversible impact of spoken words. It emphasized that even an apology may not erase the harm caused by such behavior.
During the hearing, Rajeev Gowda’s counsel apologized for his client’s remarks to the Municipal Commissioner and argued against the applicability of Section 132 of the BNS Act to the case. The counsel requested protection from arrest for Gowda, assuring cooperation with the investigation and willingness to issue a public apology.
Rajeev Gowda, in his petition, alleged police presence at his residence and claimed differential treatment in the removal of banners. When questioned about Gowda’s whereabouts, his advocate had no information, prompting the court to request details from the Public Prosecutor. The police faced criticism for their failure to apprehend Gowda, who is purportedly linked to Food Minister K.H. Muniyappa and subject to arrest orders from Higher Education Minister K.C. Sudhakar.
The incident involving Rajeev Gowda verbally abusing and threatening Municipal Commissioner Amrutha Gowda sparked public outrage following the circulation of an audio clip. The Karnataka State Women’s Commission strongly condemned the incident, urging legal action against the accused.
