N. Ravi Kumar
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The Karnataka High Court on Thursday asked BJP MLC N. Ravi Kumar to tender a personal apology to Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Fouzia Taranum for making a defamatory statement that “the DC, who is functioning under the influence of the ruling Congress government, seems to be from Pakistan”.

A Vacation Bench of Justice Suraj Govindaraj issued an oral direction in this regard while adjourning the hearing on Mr. Kumar’s petition, in which he has challenged the FIR registered against him by the Station Bazaar police in Kalaburagi.

The case in MP

Referring to the actions taken by the Madhya Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court against a Minister in Madhya Pradesh State Cabinet for making a controversial remark against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who was among armed forces officers who briefed the media on Operation Sindoor, the court told Mr. Kumar’s advocate that the MLC should not be making such a statement.

When his advocate said the MLC has already apologised clarifying that “it was a slip of the tongue and he made these intemperate remarks inadvertently” while also making it clear that he had no complaint against Deputy Commissioner’s professional competency and integrity, the court said the MLC has to apologise to the officer personally and she has to accept it.

No coercive action

Meanwhile, the court recorded the submission of the Additional State Public Prosecutor that the police will not take any coercive action against Mr. Kumar if he cooperates with the investigation. Also, the court suggested that the advocate advise the MLC appropriately and file an affidavit after apologising to Ms. Taranum, while adjourning further hearing till June 6.

Published – May 29, 2025 09:44 pm IST