The Special Court for Elected Representatives has rejected rape accused Prajwal Revanna's plea seeking permission to appear through video conference during his trial. Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, had submitted that his physical appearance could lead to disruption in court proceedings.
While the special court is hearing arguments on framing of charges, the Karnataka High Court has stayed the process pending its decision on Revanna's petition seeking evidence collected by police.
Revanna had moved the High Court seeking copies of documents, including images and videos, obtained from his driver's phone. However, Additional Special Public Prosecutor B N Jagadeesha argued that all relevant evidence had already been shared with the accused.
Justice M Nagaprasanna declined Revanna's request for all images, noting it would violate women's privacy. The court directed prosecution to provide only case-related evidence to the accused.
The High Court will hear the documents case on January 16.
Revanna faces sexual assault allegations from five women, with police having filed three chargesheets against him.
TNM has been continuously reporting on this case, speaking to survivors and others affected to explore the profound societal impact of the sexual abuse videos. Our coverage can be accessed here.