“Chop Off A Limb, Then Perhaps People Will Follow Law”: Karnataka High Court During Rape Accused’s Bail Hearing

"If you chop off a leg or hand, then perhaps, people will follow the law," the Karnataka High Court recently observed while refusing bail to a 23-year-old engineering student accused of rape, remarking that stringent punishment alone can act as an effective deterrent against crime.

The bench of Justice R Nataraj made the observation while hearing the accused's plea for bail. Referring to the west asian countries where severe punishments are imposed for criminal offences, the judge said people tend to comply with the law because they fear the consequences of violating it.

"The problem with our country is that the 'law has lost its teeth'. If you chop off a limb, people will follow the law", the court remarked, adding that despite living in a democracy governed by the rule of law, individuals continue to commit offences without hesitation.

Court further observed that offenders repeatedly take advantage of legal protections available under the system. Stressing the need for effective deterrence, the judge said crimes are committed because there is little fear of punishment.

The observations came while the court was considering the bail request of the accused student. His counsel argued that he had already spent nearly two months in custody for an offence he allegedly did not commit. It was further submitted that the allegations related to an incident that had occurred almost three years earlier.

Responding to the submissions, Justice Nataraj remarked, "If you eat salt, you've got to drink water." The judge further stated the accused could stay for another four-five days in jail.

Justice Nataraj said the accused could spend some more time in custody, noting that he may have to go back to prison if punishment is eventually imposed.

Court did not grant immediate relief to the accused and instead sought a response from the State government. Notice was issued and the matter was directed to be listed on June 8 for further consideration.

According to the prosecution, the complainant alleged that the accused had persuaded her to accompany him to an apartment on the pretext of discussing their friendship and sexually assaulted her there on September 12, 2023.

The case has been registered under Sections 375(a) and 376 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, (corresponding to Section 63 and 64 of the BNS) relating to rape. The accused's bail application was earlier rejected by the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Udupi, by an order dated May 14, 2026.

Case Title: Sri Gopi Reddy Karthik Reddy v. State of Karnataka

Hearing Date: May 29, 2026

Bench: Justice Justice R Nataraj