The Karnataka High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against D.S. Ravi Kumar in a case arising from allegations that slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” were raised during a political demonstration in Mandya in December 2022. Justice V. Srishananda held that continuing the prosecution was unnecessary, particularly when the investigation had failed to establish the alleged consequences of the slogans and the required prior sanction had not been obtained.
Background
The case originated from a complaint filed by Kannambadi Kumar at Mandya West Police Station, leading to the registration of Crime No. 30/2024 under Sections 153B and 505(1)(b) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The complaint alleged that during a protest organised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) followers on December 18, 2022, participants raised “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans. Challenging the proceedings in C.C. No. 712/2024, Ravi Kumar argued that the slogan was raised unintentionally and was allegedly a slip of the tongue, with “Zindabad” spoken instead of “Murdabad”.
After examining the circumstances, the Court found the petitioner's explanation relevant and questioned the continuation of the prosecution. Justice Srishananda observed:
"At the outset, in a demonstration organized by the Bharathiya Janatha Party-a Political Party, It is highly unimaginable that the protesters therein would raise the slogan 'Pakistan Zindabad'."
The Court also noted that the complaint was filed nearly two years after the incident, based on a YouTube video, while the investigating agency had failed to gather further information about the participants or establish the alleged impact of the slogans on society.
The Court further relied on its earlier decision in K.M. Basha alias Mehaboob Basha v. State of Karnataka, concerning the requirement of prior sanction under Section 196(1)(A) of the CrPC for prosecution under Section 505 IPC.
It observed:
"Therefore, on one hand, ingredients of Section 153 being not attracted, and on the other hand, prior sanction is not obtained for offence under Section 505 of IPC, this Court is constrained to quash the pending criminal proceedings."
Allowing the writ petition, the High Court quashed the proceedings in C.C. No. 712/2024, arising from Crime No. 30/2024, pending before the Principal Senior Civil Judge and CJM, Mandya, insofar as D.S. Ravi Kumar was concerned.
Case Title: D.S. Ravi Kumar v. State of Karnataka & Others
Case Number: W.P. No. 20693 of 2024 (GM-RES)
Judge: Justice V. Srishananda
Decision Date: 28 October 2026
