The Karnataka High Court Today (April 1) stayed a criminal case against MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for allegedly making obscene remarks about actress Ranya Rao. The case relates to her gold smuggling controversy and will be heard again after two weeks.
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BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court stayed proceedings on the criminal case filed against Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who is a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
The case was registered because of some vulgar and insulting remarks he allegedly made about Kannada film actress Ranya Rao.
Patil had recently been expelled from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what the party called “anti-party activities.” After this, he approached the Karnataka High Court with a request to cancel the First Information Report (FIR) filed against him in this matter.
Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur listened to the early arguments from both sides in the case. The judge then asked for a reply from the State government and fixed the next hearing for after two weeks. Till then, the court said that the criminal case against Patil will remain stayed, which means it is paused for now.
This entire case is related to a previous incident involving actress Ranya Rao. She was arrested after being accused of using VIP airport routes to illegally carry and smuggle gold.
During this controversy, Patil reportedly made some disrespectful remarks about her in front of the media.
ALSO READ: Police Officer Linked to Actress Ranya Rao’s Gold Smuggling Racket: Probe Agency In Court
In his statement, Patil allegedly said (in Kannada):
“There were lapses by customs officials, and necessary action should be taken against them. She (Ranya Rao) had gold all over her body, hiding it wherever she had holes, and smuggled it in.”
These comments made by Patil upset Ranya Rao’s family. A relative of the actress went to the police and filed a formal complaint against him. Following the complaint, the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru registered an FIR against Patil.
The FIR was filed under Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). This section deals with using words, actions, or gestures that insult the modesty and dignity of a woman.
Now, Patil is challenging this FIR in the High Court, saying it should be quashed or cancelled.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the lawyer representing the complainant (Ranya Rao’s relative) strongly requested the court not to stop the FIR. The lawyer told the court that the allegations are very serious and should not be ignored.
The High Court, in its official order, accepted that the complaint is serious and may need to go to trial. However, the court also said that until the next hearing happens, Patil can get temporary relief.
So, the Karnataka High Court has stayed the criminal case against Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for now. The matter will come up again after two weeks when the State gives its reply.
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