State by Special Investigation Team v. Prajwal Revanna, 2025
The case sets a landmark precedent for convicting a powerful political figure under sexual offences involving misuse of power.
Judgement Details
Court
Special Court POCSO, Bengaluru
Date of Decision
2 August 2025
Judges
Sessions Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat
Citation
Acts / Provisions
Facts of the Case
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Prajwal Revanna, JD(S) leader and former MP, was convicted in the first of three rape cases under investigation by the SIT.
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The victim, employed as a maid at Revanna’s farmhouse, accused him of repeated sexual assault beginning in 2021 during the COVID-19 lockdown.
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Videos of the assaults were allegedly recorded by Revanna and used to blackmail and silence the victim.
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The SIT arrested Revanna on May 30, 2024, upon his return from Germany.
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The Sessions Court framed charges on April 3, 2025, and has now delivered the final verdict and sentencing.
Issues
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Whether the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Prajwal Revanna committed multiple sexual offences, including rape, harassment, and intimidation?
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Whether the digital evidence, including videos, was admissible and reliable?
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Whether the sentencing warranted life imprisonment, given the gravity of the crimes and misuse of position?
Judgement
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The Court convicted Prajwal Revanna on all counts.
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The judge imposed life imprisonment, holding that The accused misused his position of power and dominance.
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The victim’s testimony, along with digital and forensic evidence, established guilt.
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The repeated assaults and use of intimidation demonstrated a pattern of predatory behavior.
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The court emphasized the need to uphold bodily integrity, dignity, and privacy of women, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds.
Held
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Fine (₹) | Default Sentence |
| 376(2)(k) | Rape by person in position of dominance | Life Imprisonment | 5,00,000 | 1 Year SI |
| 376(2)(n) | Repeated rape | Life Imprisonment till natural life | 5,00,000 | 1 Year SI |
| 354A | Sexual harassment | 3 Years RI | 25,000 | 6 Months SI |
| 354B | Assault with intent to disrobe | 7 Years RI | 50,000 | 6 Months SI |
| 354C | Voyeurism | 3 Years RI | 10,000 | 3 Months SI |
| 506 | Criminal intimidation | 2 Years RI | 25,000 | 3 Months SI |
| 201 | Causing disappearance of evidence | 3 Years RI | 25,000 | 6 Months SI |
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Total Fine: ₹11,60,000.
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Compensation: ₹11,25,000 awarded to the victim; balance to be deposited with the State.
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All sentences to run concurrently.
Analysis
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The case sets a landmark precedent for convicting a powerful political figure under sexual offences involving misuse of power.
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The Court acknowledged the imbalance of power, vulnerability of the victim, and digital exploitation as aggravating factors.
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Multiple charges under sexual offence provisions indicate a comprehensive pattern of abuse rather than a one-off incident.
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The use of Section 66E of the IT Act shows increasing reliance on privacy-based digital offences in criminal trials.
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The judgment shows judicial sensitivity toward victim trauma, and a firm stance against influence and political immunity.