A special court in Bengaluru has sentenced former Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment in a rape case. The verdict, delivered on Saturday, August 2, 2025, comes after Revanna was found guilty of repeatedly raping his 47-year-old domestic help. This is the first of three rape cases and one sexual harassment case against Revanna to reach a verdict.

Special Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat announced the punishment in a packed courtroom. Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, was visibly shattered as the judge detailed the sentence under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The court sentenced Revanna to "imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life" under Section 376(2)(n) of the IPC, which pertains to repeated rape of the same woman. He also received a life sentence under Section 376(2)(k) for raping a woman while in a position of authority. Additionally, Revanna was found guilty and punished under other sections of the IPC, including sexual harassment, assault or use of criminal force on a woman, voyeurism, criminal intimidation, and tampering with evidence, as well as Section 66 of the Information Technology Act.

Besides the prison sentence, the court imposed a fine of ₹11.6 lakh on Revanna, with ₹11.25 lakh to be paid to the survivor as compensation.

The case was registered based on a complaint filed by the survivor, who was allegedly confined at a farmhouse near Mysuru after being identified in leaked videos of sexual assaults. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) relied on video recordings of the assaults and a DNA analysis report matching samples from Revanna with those found on the survivor's clothing. The trial commenced on May 2, with the survivor's statement being recorded. The chargesheet, filed in December 2024, was 1,632 pages long and supported by 113 witnesses.

Following the verdict, Revanna claimed a "political conspiracy" behind the case. His defense team argued for leniency, citing his young age and social background. However, the court handed down the life sentence, emphasizing the severity of the crimes committed.

Special Public Prosecutor Ashok Nayak stated that Revanna can appeal the sentence in the High Court. He can also request a suspension of the sentence. If the High Court upholds the sentence, Revanna can further appeal to the Supreme Court.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah commented on the verdict, stating that everyone should accept the court order. He emphasized that the government had previously stated that if wrongdoing was proven, punishment would be meted out according to the law. He added that the court, after considering all aspects, has given its verdict, which should be respected.