<p>The vile and misogynistic remarks allegedly made by BJP MLC N Ravikumar against Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh mark yet another deplorable instance of normalisation of sexism and hate in public discourse. His vulgar and defamatory comment that the senior IAS officer “works for the government in the night and all day for the Chief Minister” is a direct assault on the dignity of a woman holding the state’s highest bureaucratic office. An FIR has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal intimidation, sexual harassment, and outraging a woman’s modesty; however, a mere FIR will not suffice. The government should ensure that the strongest possible legal action is pursued to its logical conclusion.</p>.<p>Ravikumar is no stranger to controversy, having recently questioned if Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fauzia Tarannum was “from Pakistan”, prompting the Karnataka High Court to order an apology. His remark is in line with the designs of a political culture that extends immunity to leaders and elected representatives even after contemptible public behaviour. In December last year, C T Ravi allegedly made an offensive remark against Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar in the Legislative Council. Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has mocked Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao as “half-Pakistani” for his interfaith marriage. In 2023, then BJP MP S Muniswamy openly berated a woman for not wearing a bindi, “even when her husband is alive”.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The Congress government, while quick to file FIRs, has been slow to ensure justice in these cases. A pattern of poor follow-up and weak prosecution has become the norm. Many of the accused manage to get relief from the courts, due to the state’s ineffective legal strategy, emboldening habitual offenders. The BJP has also failed to act decisively against its members who have been exposed for their objectionable utterances. Silence or token actions only encourage such behaviour. Meanwhile, presiding officers of the Assembly and the Council cannot wash their hands off simply because these remarks were made outside the legislative chambers. Such comments, whether within or outside the House, bring dishonour to the legislature and the state. These cases must be referred to the legislature’s Ethics Committee for exemplary disciplinary action. Furthermore, the IAS Officers Association should move beyond statements and take concrete steps to protect the interests of bureaucrats. This is not only about the safety and honour of women; it is about the dignity of our institutions and the very standards of our democracy. Crass misogyny cannot and must not be normalised.</p>
<p>The vile and misogynistic remarks allegedly made by BJP MLC N Ravikumar against Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh mark yet another deplorable instance of normalisation of sexism and hate in public discourse. His vulgar and defamatory comment that the senior IAS officer “works for the government in the night and all day for the Chief Minister” is a direct assault on the dignity of a woman holding the state’s highest bureaucratic office. An FIR has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal intimidation, sexual harassment, and outraging a woman’s modesty; however, a mere FIR will not suffice. The government should ensure that the strongest possible legal action is pursued to its logical conclusion.</p>.<p>Ravikumar is no stranger to controversy, having recently questioned if Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fauzia Tarannum was “from Pakistan”, prompting the Karnataka High Court to order an apology. His remark is in line with the designs of a political culture that extends immunity to leaders and elected representatives even after contemptible public behaviour. In December last year, C T Ravi allegedly made an offensive remark against Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar in the Legislative Council. Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has mocked Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao as “half-Pakistani” for his interfaith marriage. In 2023, then BJP MP S Muniswamy openly berated a woman for not wearing a bindi, “even when her husband is alive”.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The Congress government, while quick to file FIRs, has been slow to ensure justice in these cases. A pattern of poor follow-up and weak prosecution has become the norm. Many of the accused manage to get relief from the courts, due to the state’s ineffective legal strategy, emboldening habitual offenders. The BJP has also failed to act decisively against its members who have been exposed for their objectionable utterances. Silence or token actions only encourage such behaviour. Meanwhile, presiding officers of the Assembly and the Council cannot wash their hands off simply because these remarks were made outside the legislative chambers. Such comments, whether within or outside the House, bring dishonour to the legislature and the state. These cases must be referred to the legislature’s Ethics Committee for exemplary disciplinary action. Furthermore, the IAS Officers Association should move beyond statements and take concrete steps to protect the interests of bureaucrats. This is not only about the safety and honour of women; it is about the dignity of our institutions and the very standards of our democracy. Crass misogyny cannot and must not be normalised.</p>
