The court's decision comes on the heels of a series of distressing public revelations. Prajwal Revanna, a member of a politically influential family, particularly that of former Indian Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda, was charged in connection with the rape of a domestic employee. The gravity of the offense was amplified when hundreds of explicit videos involving him circulated on social media, sparking nationwide outrage. Although Revanna had vehemently denied the allegations, he broke down in court and appealed for a lesser sentence after being found guilty last Friday.

The court handed down the life sentence on Saturday, allowing for the possibility of an appeal. This case is especially significant as it involves a figure from a prominent political background — a rarity in a country where high-profile individuals often escape severe legal repercussions.

Revanna fled India using his diplomatic passport in April 2024 amid the growing scandal, but was apprehended upon his return from Germany a month later. He remains embroiled in other legal matters, facing two additional rape accusations and a charge of sexual harassment, all of which he continues to deny. The case has become emblematic of a shift towards holding powerful figures accountable for their actions in the realm of sexual violence in India.