Case Against Man Over ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ Slogan at BJP Protest Quashed, Rules Karnataka High Court in D.S. Ravi Kumar v. State of Karnataka
Case: D.S. Ravi Kumar v. State of Karnataka
Date of Judgment: 05 November 2026
Court: High Court of Karnataka
Coram: Justice V. Srishananda
Proceedings: Petition challenging proceedings under Sections 153B and 505(1)(b) of the Indian Penal Code
Court Observation
“At the outset, in a demonstration organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party-a Political Party, it is highly unimaginable that the protesters therein would raise the slogan ‘Pakistan Zindabad’,”
Summary
The Karnataka High Court has quashed the criminal proceedings against D.S. Ravi Kumar, a resident of Mandya district, who was accused of raising the slogan “Pakistan Zindabad” during a protest organised by the BJP on 18 December 2024. The Court observed that it is highly unimaginable that protesters at a demonstration organised by the BJP would raise such a slogan, and noted that it could have been a slip of tongue during a vociferous protest, with some people meaning to raise the slogan “Pakistan Murdabad” instead.
The Court also pointed out that the complaint was filed after a lapse of nearly two years, based on a video clip circulated on YouTube, and that the investigating officer had not obtained the prior sanction mandated under Section 505 of the Indian Penal Code before the Magistrate took cognizance. The investigation agency could not establish who all had participated in the demonstration or what repercussions the slogans had caused in society.
Key Holdings
- Prior sanction is necessary for initiating action for an offence punishable under Section 505 of the Indian Penal Code, and no such sanction had been obtained before cognizance was taken.
- A delay of nearly two years in registering the complaint, based on a video clip circulated on YouTube, weighed against the prosecution.
- The investigation did not establish who participated in the demonstration or any unrest caused in society or any particular community as a result of the slogans.
- The proceedings against the petitioner are quashed.
Background
The complainant, Kannambadi Kumar, stated that during a protest organised by persons claiming to be followers of the BJP on 18 December 2024, certain people raised the slogan “Pakistan Zindabad”. He approached the police stating that he was disturbed after watching a video of the protest on YouTube. The Mandya police registered a case under Sections 153B and 505(1)(b) of the Indian Penal Code, and Ravi Kumar petitioned the High Court to quash the proceedings.
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Disclaimer: This is a summary prepared for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should refer to the official judgment for the authoritative text.
