Chetan Kumar held for questioning credibility of Karnataka HC judge hearing hijab row

Amid highly-controversial hijab row across Karnataka, Kannada film actor Chetan Kumar, a self-acclaimed activist, has been arrested for allegedly questioning credibility of one of judges of Karnataka High Court, who is a jurist in bench hearing petitions against  ban on hijab. arrest comes to fore after Kumar's tweet questioned Justice Krishna Dixit's 'clarity' to deal with such sensitive matters. Referring to an older tweet regarding Justice Dixit, Kumar mentioned judge had made headlines for granting pre-arrest bail to a rape accused and having stated a controversial take on rape survivors. 

Deputy Commissioner of Police of Central Division said in a statement, "Kannada film actor and activist Chetan Ahimsa has been arrested by Bengaluru City Police. An on-its own FIR was registered on Tuesday and under 505(2) and 504 of IPC. Based on tweet, FIR was registered in Sheshadripuram Police Station."

While section 505(2) of IPC provides for statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes, section 504 of IPC provides for punishment to intentional provocation and insults to any person to disrupt public peace. 

Kannada film actor Chetan Kumar arrested

Chetan Kumar tweeted, with reference to his older tweet, mentioning Justice Dixit's observations during trial of a rape case. Justice Dixit had reportedly said, "it is unbecoming of an Indian woman to sleep after rape; that is t way women react when y are ravished." 

Taking to Twitter, actor shared, "This is a tweet I wrote nearly two years ago regarding a Karnataka High Court decision Justice Krishna Dixit made such disturbing comments in a rape case w this same judge is determining wher hijabs are acceptable or t in govt schools Does he have clarity required? (sic)"

It is pertinent to te that Justice Krishna S Dixit hit bulletin in June 2020 when a rape accused, also charged with cheating and criminal intimidation, was granted a pre-arrest bail while concerned judge categorised behaviour of victim, after alleged rape. In case at hand, victim told court that she was 'tired' and fell to sleep' after crime was committed. 

In consideration of complainant's submissions, judge had said it was 'unbecoming of an Indian woman' to sleep after she has been 'ravished' and 'after perpetration of act'. 

"That is t way our women react when y are ravished," judge said in order. 

While complainant's (rape survivor) counsel raised strong objections to bail order of accused, judge was t convinced of reasons for victim's presence at her workplace at 11 PM, day of alleged rape crime. Furr, Justice Dixit even questioned rape survivor for she did t object to sharing 'drinks' with accused and same was mentioned as a reason in bail order.