BJP MLC C.T. Ravi Rejects Police Notice Amid Communal Enmity Case
Legislator C.T. Ravi contends his controversial protest remarks targeted a specific individual rather than a community. The BJP leader refused to accept a police notice as his supporters disrupted the process in Chikkamagaluru.
Legislator Rejects Police Action Over Protest Remarks
BJP Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) C.T. Ravi has formally challenged a case filed against him by Chikkamagaluru police, asserting that his recent public statements were misinterpreted. On Sunday, Ravi refused to accept a legal notice at his residence, leading to a confrontation between his supporters and law enforcement officials. The case stems from comments Ravi made during a counter-protest against Congress demonstrations regarding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. While authorities allege the language was inflammatory, Ravi maintains his words focused specifically on a person who attempted to ignite a petrol tanker during the Delhi protests.
Procedural Disputes and Legal Charges
The Chikkamagaluru Town Police initiated the First Information Report (FIR) following a complaint by Mudassir Pasha, the president of Jamia Masjid. The investigation invokes Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a provision addressing statements designed to incite animosity between different social or religious groups. During the attempted service of the notice, Ravi confronted officers with several procedural demands:
- A request for a copy of the FIR prior to accepting any formal notice.
- Clarification on how comments about an individual were legally construed as community-wide remarks.
- An inquiry into why police did not consult him before the official filing of the case.
Supporters Obstruct Law Enforcement Efforts
The situation escalated when Ravi’s supporters, gathered at his home, staged a protest against the visiting officers. After the legislator refused to sign the documents, police attempted to finalize the service by pasting the notice on the exterior wall of his residence. However, supporters immediately removed and destroyed the document. Despite the legal pressure, Ravi reaffirmed his position, stating he would not hesitate to repeat his original comments. He continues to argue that the legal action lacks a factual basis regarding the intent of his speech.
Source: The Hindu — Home
