Bengaluru: The 37th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Court in Bengaluru has dismissed a case filed against Mysuru-based writer Prof. K.S. Bhagawan, who was accused of mocking Lord Rama and using derogatory language.
ACMM M. Syed Arafat Ibrahim reviewed the private complaint filed under Sections 298 and 505 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and acquitted Prof. Bhagawan of all charges.
The complaint stemmed from Bhagawan’s book ‘Rama Mandira Eke Beda’ (Why We Don’t Need a Rama Temple), in which he allegedly mocked Lord Rama and used language that was claimed to have hurt Hindu religious sentiments.
The case was filed by Advocate Meera Raghavendra, who alleged that the content was offensive and inflammatory.
This is not the first time Prof. Bhagawan has faced legal proceedings on similar grounds. In a separate but related case, the Court had also recently acquitted him. In both instances, Senior Advocate C.H. Hanumantharaya represented Prof. Bhagawan.
However, the Courtroom proceedings took a dramatic turn when Advocate Meera Raghavendra engaged in an act of professional misconduct by smearing ink on Prof. Bhagawan’s face within the Court premises.
The incident, viewed as a serious violation of legal ethics and professional decorum, led to disciplinary action by the State Bar Council.
Following a formal complaint lodged by Prof. Bhagawan, the Bar Council’s Disciplinary Committee, chaired by S. Mahesh with S. Harish as a member, conducted an inquiry into the incident.
The Committee found Meera Raghavendra guilty of misconduct. Notably, she failed to appear before the Committee for the hearing and did not accept the notice served to her, further violating the rules of professional conduct.
Consequently, the State Bar Council ruled that Meera Raghavendra is barred from practising law in any Court across the country for a period of three months.
This post was published on June 11, 2025 6:29 pm