Karnataka HC grants interim protection to BJP MLC CT Ravi booked for derogatory remarks against Muslims

The Karnataka High Court on Monday directed the State government not to take any coercive steps against BJP MLC CT Ravi in connection with an FIR registered over his alleged derogatory remarks against Muslims during a protest over the NEET examination controversy..Justice M Nagaprasanna, while hearing Ravi's petition challenging the FIR, questioned the basis for the prosecution and the nature of the speech alleged against the BJP leader."What did you say? Against whom did you make the statement? Did you ask it (FIR Copy) in simple language or in an upper voice? Get the transcript," the Court orally remarked during the hearing..According to the prosecution, Ravi had addressed a public gathering at Azad Park on July 23, 2026, after a protest rally organised by Youth for Nation in Chikkamagaluru.The complaint alleges that Ravi stated, "Mullas (Maulvis) had no connection with the NEET examination."He questioned why they were protesting over the issue. "Mullas could not even write three letters, yet were demanding the resignation of the Education Minister and the Prime Minister.".He is also alleged to have questioned the connection between the Citizenship Amendment Act, National Register of Citizens and the alleged NEET question paper leak, and claimed that the student protest had been misused by anti-national elements to further their agenda..Based on a complaint lodged on July 24, Chikkamagaluru police registered a case against Ravi under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Senior Advocate M Arun Shyam, appearing for Ravi, argued that the speech was delivered in the context of the NEET protest and did not hurt anybody's religious sentiments..He submitted that the complainant was only a third party and that the police had attempted to serve a notice without first furnishing a copy of the FIR."The allegation is only that he spoke at a public meeting. The police came with a notice without serving the FIR. It is my right to get a copy of the FIR. He asked for details of the case, after which the officers went back," Shyam submitted..State Public Prosecutor BN Jagadeesh opposed the plea and referred to another incident involving Ravi's interaction with police officers.The prosecutor submitted that when police officers went to serve a notice under the BNSS, Ravi allegedly gathered his supporters, conducted what the prosecution described as a "kangaroo court", and abused the police officers..The State sought to play a video recording of the incident before the Court.After hearing the parties, the Court directed the High Court Government Pleader to accept notice and the State Public Prosecutor to formally appear in the matter.Meanwhile, the Court ordered that no coercive steps shall be taken against CT Ravi until the next date of hearing.The case has been posted for further hearing on Friday.