Karnataka High Court Criticizes BJP MLC for ‘Pakistani’ Remark
On Friday, the Karnataka High Court reproved BJP Member of Legislative Council (MLC) N Ravikumar for referring to IAS officer Fouzia Tarannum as “Pakistani” during a political demonstration. Justice M Nagaprasanna, who presided over the hearing of Ravikumar’s petition to quash criminal proceedings, emphasized that such derogatory remarks against a civil servant, particularly based on religion, are unacceptable.
Justice Nagaprasanna stated, “She is an IAS officer of the State. Take it to the Supreme Court. This has become too much. What was the protest? I will not pardon that at all…Can you think you can speak anything? I will not permit it.” The court underscored the importance of respecting civil servants irrespective of their religious affiliations.
During the session, the court lamented the growing number of cases resulting from politicians’ inflammatory remarks, which burden the judicial system. Justice Nagaprasanna urged political figures to demonstrate restraint in their public addresses, noting, “All of you should hold your tongue. Otherwise, criminal courts are filled with frivolous cases. Murder and extortion cases are pending for 10 years and these cases keep filling the courts because you don’t hold your tongue.”
In a broader critique of political discourse, the judge added, “Whatever be the party, you should both stop all this. Only mudslinging on each other. Nobody talks about policies; nobody talks about burning issues. People are not interested in what you speak against each other. They are interested in their welfare.”
Ravikumar’s controversial remarks were made in May 2025 during a rally where he accused the IAS officer of acting under Congress’ influence and questioned her origin. Despite an apology issued by Ravikumar, the court questioned the sufficiency of such an apology, considering the harm caused.
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Advocate M Vinod Kumar, representing the petitioner, explained that the remarks were made during a BJP protest after the Leader of Opposition was reportedly detained, invoking Sections 193 and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. However, Special Public Prosecutor BN Jagadeesh suggested that grievances against the Deputy Commissioner should have been formally addressed to higher authorities, rather than resorting to public derogatory statements.
Justice Nagaprasanna remarked that while Ravikumar’s statements were inappropriate, the alleged prohibition against protesters carrying the national flag needed scrutiny. “What is wrong in holding the National Flag? What is your problem? If Ravikumar’s statement is wrong, then your action is also not right. If those people were stopped from carrying the National Flag during the protest, we will impose costs on them…But that does not mean you can make such statements.”
The court has directed the State to submit documentation regarding the protest’s permission and stated that if evidence shows the national flag was part of the protest proposal and was subsequently barred, it would be examined thoroughly. The hearing is scheduled to continue on August 20.
