As of May 2, 2025, there have been no recent reports indicating that the Karnataka High Court has refused to quash the case against BJP legislator C.T. Ravi concerning allegations of verbal abuse against Congress minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. The most recent updates pertain to interim legal proceedings and jurisdictional considerations.

Background of the Case

The incident in question occurred on December 19, 2024, during a session of the Karnataka Legislative Council. Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar accused C.T. Ravi of using derogatory language against her during a heated exchange over remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Ravi was subsequently arrested by the Belagavi police but was released after the Karnataka High Court deemed the arrest procedurally improper .

Legal Proceedings

On January 23, 2025, the Karnataka High Court issued an interim order directing the state government to refrain from taking further action on the FIR against C.T. Ravi until January 30, 2025. Justice M. Nagaprasanna highlighted jurisdictional concerns, questioning whether the matter should be addressed internally by the Legislative Council or investigated by external agencies .

The court’s deliberations were influenced by arguments referencing the Supreme Court’s judgment in ‘Sita Soren vs Union of India,’ which discusses legislative immunity for actions and speech within the legislature .

Evidence and Contradictions

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claimed the existence of audio and video evidence supporting the allegations against Ravi . However, Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti stated that no official recordings of the incident exist, as the session had been adjourned at the time, and personal recording devices are prohibited in the chamber .

Current Status

As of the latest available information, the Karnataka High Court has not made a definitive ruling on the validity of the FIR against C.T. Ravi. The matter remains under judicial consideration, with the court examining the interplay between legislative privileges and the applicability of criminal proceedings in this context .

Sources