Puttur, October 27, 2025 – In a significant relief for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, the Sixth Additional District and Sessions Court in Puttur, Dakshina Kannada district, has directed police not to take any coercive steps against him in connection with an FIR filed over alleged provocative speech.
The order came amid accusations that Bhat delivered inflammatory remarks during a Deepotsava program on October 20 in Uppalige village near Puttur, promoting enmity between religious groups and insulting the modesty of women. The Puttur Rural Police registered the FIR on October 25 under sections 79 (insulting the modesty of women), 196 (promoting enmity between religions), 299 (wounding religious feelings), 302 (outraging religious feelings), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Bhat, a prominent Hindu activist known for his outspoken views, has faced multiple FIRs in the past for similar allegations, including hate speech cases in 2023 where the Karnataka High Court granted him interim protection, citing political motivations and his health concerns (post-cardiovascular surgery in 2022). In June 2025, he similarly secured relief from coercive action in another hate speech complaint.
The court’s directive ensures no arrests or forceful measures until further hearings, allowing Bhat to continue his activities without immediate legal harassment. Local RSS affiliates hailed the decision as a vindication of free speech, while critics, including the complainant, argue it underscores delays in addressing communal rhetoric.
This incident adds to ongoing tensions in coastal Karnataka, where Bhat's speeches often spark debates on religious harmony and women's dignity. No further comments were immediately available from Bhat or the police.
