PREMIUM

Can Revanna’s rare conviction mend a broken system?

The Tribune Editorial: As the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, Revanna operated within a dynastic bubble of impunity.

Editorial

Updated At : 05:57 AM Aug 04, 2025 IST

THE sentencing of former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment for rape marks a rare moment of justice in India’s long, troubled relationship with sexual violence involving the powerful. As the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, Revanna operated within a dynastic bubble of impunity — until a viral sex video, survivor testimony and an SIT pierced through. In a country where rape trials often drag on and survivors face stigma and institutional neglect, this verdict within a year stands out. But let’s not mistake one conviction for systemic change. Revanna faces additional rape and harassment charges. Will the other survivors feel safe to testify? Will the institutions now work for them?

The Tribune, now published from Chandigarh, started publication on February 2, 1881, in Lahore (now in Pakistan). It was started by Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, a public-spirited philanthropist, and is run by a trust comprising five eminent persons as trustees.

The Tribune, the largest selling English daily in North India, publishes news and views without any bias or prejudice of any kind. Restraint and moderation, rather than agitational language and partisanship, are the hallmarks of the newspaper. It is an independent newspaper in the real sense of the term.

The Tribune has two sister publications, Punjabi Tribune (in Punjabi) and Dainik Tribune (in Hindi).

Remembering Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia

Designed and developed by :

Can Revanna’s rare conviction mend a broken system?

Editorial

Unlock Premium Insights in This Article