Life imprisonment verdict to Prajwal Revanna is a historic example

 When a powerful person in Indian politics comes under the grip of law, the question arises again and again whether the law is really equal for everyone in India? Is there a system above power, money and political status that can protect the basic principles of truth and justice? The life imprisonment sentence given to former Chief Minister of Karnataka and grandson of former Prime Minister of India H.D. Deve Gowda, and former MP of Janata Dal (Secular) Prajwal Revanna in a rape case has given a decisive turn to this debate. This is not just the punishment given to a criminal, but it is a proof of the vitality of Indian democracy and justice system.

The most remarkable thing about this case was that the process from filing the FIR of rape to sentencing by the court was completed within just one year. This can be called an extraordinary achievement, especially when we know that on an average it takes years to get justice in rape cases in India. It is clear from the reports of the National Crime Records Bureau that lakhs of cases are pending for years. In such a situation, this decision can become an example that if the administration, police and judiciary want, then speedy justice is not an impossible ideal.

A special investigation team was formed in this case, which was led by IPS officer BK Singh. The determination and sensitivity with which he carried forward the investigation is commendable. Especially, when he had to face political and social pressures. He himself said that the victim stood like a rock, due to which we were able to take the case to its conclusion.

Prajwal Revanna's crime was not only criminal, but a heinous attack against moral and democratic beliefs. According to the police, he sexually exploited about 100 women. These women included women workers of his party, government employees and women from economically weaker sections. The most frightening thing was that he also made videos of these incidents, which later not only became a cause of embarrassment and mental torture for the victims, but also became a warning for the country's politics and society.

A public representative, who was sent to Parliament by the public with trust, turned out to be the most brutal killer of that trust. This incident is not just a story of personal characterlessness, but also the failure of an entire political system, where the character and history of the candidate is not even checked before giving a ticket. When the heat of the Lok Sabha elections was at its peak in April 2024, suddenly hundreds of pen drives were distributed in Hassan, the constituency of Prajwal Revanna. These contained videos of his objectionable activities. This was a well-planned expose, which shook the entire country. But even more shocking was his fleeing abroad. Prajwal fled from India by misusing a diplomatic passport, which indicated that he was fully prepared to escape the law.

Even his parents, former minister H.D. Revanna and Bhavani Revanna were accused of kidnapping the victim so that she could not testify in court. These incidents are not just examples of promoting crime, but also of political patronage and the culmination of misuse of the system. The credit for convicting Prajwal Revanna goes first of all to the victim, who did not abandon the truth despite facing social stigma, political pressure and personal danger for four years. She did not bow down, did not get scared, did not break. This is a rare but inspiring story of women empowerment in Indian society.

The investigating agency, special court and SIT also worked honestly in this struggle. The judge said that this is not just a punishment, but a strict message to the society. This message is also for those hundreds of victims and victims who had believed that any criminal can escape with the power of politics and money. This decision is also a warning to those political parties who give election tickets to criminals, and consider them the protectors of their vote bank. The question is also how did a person like Prajwal Revanna get the ticket? Was the JD(S) leadership unaware of his nature, activities and character? If yes, was it a deliberate silence?

On the other hand, it is also a matter of introspection for the common citizens whether we are also becoming complicit in the criminal conspiracy by repeatedly electing such leaders, supporting them for caste or emotional reasons? This case also points to the need for some fundamental reforms in the Indian judicial system.

Strict standards should be set to prevent arbitrariness of diplomatic passports. Time-bound trials in cases like rape should be made mandatory, as is the aim of fast track courts. Permanent institutional structures are needed for the protection and psychological support of victims. The Election Commission should put pressure on political parties not to give tickets to candidates with criminal background, and an independent system of character assessment of candidates should be created.

Although Prajwal Revanna has been convicted in one case and sentenced to life imprisonment, the trial in the other three cases registered against him is still pending. It is important that the same sensitivity and fairness is maintained in the remaining cases as well. It is also necessary that the victims are given full security and mental support, because long trials are mentally and financially exhausting. The punishment given to Prajwal Revanna is a historic milestone for the Indian judicial system. It shows that if the institutions work with fairness and determination, there is no political interference, and the victim's side has courage, then no criminal, no matter how powerful, can escape the law. 

But at the same time it is also a warning that if the society, media and political structure do not become alert in time, such cases will come to the fore again and again. This victory of justice can be permanent only if we reform our system, make politicians accountable, and raise a united voice against crime. Overall, this verdict gave justice to a victim, punished a culprit, and reminded the entire nation that the Constitution of India is still alive and the triumph of truth is not just a slogan but a strong possibility.