Bengaluru, August 02: Former MP Prajwal Revanna has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a special court of public representatives in the rape case of a woman from KR Nagar. He has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the case of repeatedly raping a woman who was a domestic help at the Gannigarh plantation house in Holenarasipur in Hassan district and at Revanna's residence in Banashankari, Bengaluru.
The special court of public representatives had convicted Prajwal on Friday. The quantum of punishment was announced on Saturday. Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat announced the quantum of punishment.
Prajwal Revanna has been sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine of five lakhs for the crime committed under Section 376(2) (n) of the IPC. Similarly, for the crime committed under Section 376 (2) (k) of the IPC, life imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 7 lakh have been imposed on the victim. The court has also ordered that the total fine amount be paid to the victim.
What are the legal options before Prajwal?
Prajwal Revanna has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the rape case of a domestic worker. This sentence was given by the Special Court of Public Prosecutions. Such a significant judgment was given after a long hearing. Pajwal Revanna has the opportunity to appeal this judgment in the High Court. There is an opportunity to appeal in the High Court to temporarily suspend the sentence.
If Prajwal Revanna appeals to the High Court, it can be heard in a two-member bench. In this case, the sentence imposed by the court is excessive. Or it is based on a wrong interpretation. Therefore, an appeal can be filed to stay the sentence.
Moreover, the trial court did not consider the evidence properly. There is a possibility to argue that there was a mistake in the legal process. In such a case, the High Court can uphold or cancel the decision given by some level of court. Otherwise, the trial can be taken up. If the hearing of this case is taken up in the High Court and postponed there, there is a possibility to file an appeal in the Supreme Court.
What do legal experts say?
Senior advocate Shankarappa Vijaya Karnataka Web shared information about the legal options before Prajwal Revanna. “According to the Supreme Court definition, it means a sentence for life. After at least 14 years, the accused can be released from prison based on his behavior. The life sentence given by the People’s Representatives Court is not final. It is possible to challenge this in the High Court. If there is a setback in the High Court too, there is a possibility in the law to knock on the door of the Supreme Court. Both the complainant and the accused have this opportunity in the law,” he says.