BREAKING: Prajwal Revanna sentenced to life imprisonment in rape case; his future options

Former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Special Court for People's Representatives in Bengaluru in a rape case involving a housemaid. The ruling comes a day after Judge Santosh Gajanana Bhat declared Revanna guilty.

The courtroom witnessed emotional scenes as Revanna broke down following the pronouncement of the verdict. Despite his plea of innocence, the court held firm on the prosecution’s demand for the maximum penalty. His lawyer, Nalini Maya Gowda, had appealed for a more lenient sentence, citing mitigating factors, but the court rejected the plea.

Also read: BREAKING: Prajwal Revanna found guilty in rape case: Key verdict from Bengaluru Court

The 424-page judgment detailed the evidence and testimonies leading to Prajwal Revanna guilty of rape. The rape charge, filed by a housemaid who worked at Revanna’s residence, is one of four cases registered against him. The remaining three cases are still under trial. Prajwal Revanna sentenced to life imprisonment. 

The court’s decision marks a significant development in the high-profile case involving the JD(S) leader, drawing widespread public and political attention. With the life sentence now formalized, Prajwal Revanna rape case culminates in remanding him behind bars unless an appeal overturns the verdict.

Prajwal Revanna’s future options:

Right to Appeal: Under Section 374(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), any person convicted by a Sessions Court or a Special Court has the right to appeal to the High Court. This applies regardless of whether the court is a regular criminal court or one designated for trying public representatives.

What can be challenged? When challenging a life sentence, the convict can appeal:

• The conviction itself (arguing they are not guilty)
• The quantum of sentence (arguing the sentence is too harsh)
• Any procedural irregularities or legal errors made by the trial/special court

Procedure: The convicted person (or their legal representative) must file a criminal appeal in the High Court within the prescribed time limit (usually 60 to 90 days from the date of conviction).The High Court will review the case records, hear arguments, and may: Uphold the conviction, Acquit the accused, Reduce the sentence or Order a retrial.

Special Leave Petition (SLP): If the High Court upholds the life sentence, the convict can further appeal to the Supreme Court of India via an SLP under Article 136 of the Constitution.

Also read:

1. Special court to deliver verdict today in first criminal case against Prajwal Revanna; political future at stake
2. Court rejects bail plea of former MP Prajwal Revanna in sexual assault case
3. A year behind bars: Former MP Prajwal Revanna’s long battle against r*pe charges