The Karnataka High Court on August 7 pulled up BJP MLC N. Ravikumar over his alleged communal remark against Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, after he referred to the senior IAS officer as being “from Pakistan” during a protest.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna was hearing Ravikumar’s petition seeking to quash criminal proceedings pending against him before a Bengaluru Special Court for Trial of Cases against MPs/MLAs.
Court questions remark against IAS officer
Per Live Law, the court questioned how the officer could be targeted on the basis of her religion.
“…She is an IAS officer of the state… I will not pardon the fact of a statement being made just because she is a Muslim that she is from 'Pakistan'. I will not spare that. She is an IAS officer of the state of Karnataka. What is that statement you have made...”
Ravikumar’s counsel told the court that the BJP leader had made a different remark during the ‘Kalaburagi Chalo’ march, saying “all police officers are slaves of in-charge minister”.
The state, meanwhile, informed the court that the Kalaburagi administration had not permitted the protest while holding the national flag.
The court said political leaders had a right to protest but should exercise restraint in their public statements.
“…How do you (MLC) pin the IAS officer on the basis of religion… I am not on the question of Yatra at all… definitely you have the right to protest. You can conduct Yatras. But such statements cannot be made…”
Court backs right to carry national flag
Ravikumar’s counsel argued that the protest was a “Tiranga Yatra” and that the administration had stopped participants from carrying the national flag.
The court said such a restriction would also be examined.
“…If those people (state) stopped you from holding the national flag and going, we will impose costs on them. Nobody can stop anyone from holding a national flag…. But you can't make such statements about the IAS officer," the court added.
The court directed the state to produce records of the representation submitted by the protesters.
Apology not enough, court says
The petitioner’s counsel said an apology had been sent to the IAS officer after the incident. The court, however, questioned whether that could undo the alleged remark.
“…Your apology letter would take away the statement you made? On merits you can answer but this is not the way…”
The court also criticised politicians for focusing on personal attacks rather than public issues.
“…Both of you should stop. Speak of what is to be done for the welfare of people. Not against each other. Nobody (politicians) talks about policies. Nobody talks about burning issues. People are not interested in whatever you speak to each other or wash your dirty linen in public. They are interested in what their welfare is…”
A complaint was filed against Ravikumar by a Kalaburagi resident, following which a case was registered under Sections 196(1)(a)(b) and 353(2) of the BNS, 2023.
The court also expressed concern over frivolous cases burdening criminal courts. The matter will next be heard on August 20, 2026.