Overview

• The Supreme Court stayed criminal proceedings against BJP MLC C.T. Ravi over alleged derogatory remarks made about Congress Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar during a legislative session.
• A bench led by Justices M.M. Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal issued notice to the Karnataka government on Ravi's petition challenging a May 2 High Court decision.
• The Karnataka High Court had refused to quash the FIR, ruling that parliamentary privilege does not shield acts of gendered harassment or remarks that outrage a woman's modesty.
• Ravi was booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for sexual harassment and insulting the modesty of a woman, following Hebbalkar's December 2024 complaint.
• Ravi contends that his remarks are protected under legislative immunity, arguing that such privileges ensure freedom of speech for lawmakers during House proceedings.