Vijayapura, November 3:
In connection with the 2021 case involving the pasting of a sticker bearing the portrait of freedom fighter Veer Savarkar at the Congress office in Vijayapura, BJP youth leader and Alamel resident Basavaraj H. Hugar has been acquitted by the Court of the III Additional Senior Civil Judge and JMFC, Vijayapura.
The case was registered based on a complaint alleging that the act of displaying Veer Savarkar’s portrait was intended to create hatred, hostility, and disturbance among the public. A case was filed against him under Sections 447 and 505(1)(b) of the Indian Penal Code.
Basavaraj Hugar was out on bail during the proceedings and was never arrested in connection with the case. After a detailed hearing, the court found that the allegations levelled against him were not proved with sufficient evidence.
The III Additional Senior Civil Judge and JMFC, Vijayapura, Mahesh Chandrakant, on November 2, 2026, passed an order under Section 248(1) of the CrPC, acquitting Basavaraj Hugar of all charges and bringing the case to an end.
Senior advocate Tulasiram Suryavanshi represented Basavaraj Hugar in the case.
Reacting to the court’s verdict, Basavaraj Hugar said:
“We had complete faith in the judicial system, and truth has ultimately prevailed. The allegations made against me were baseless, and the court’s decision has established the truth. Veer Savarkar was a great revolutionary who sacrificed his life for the nation. Displaying his portrait was not intended to hurt the sentiments of any individual or political party, but was only an expression of respect towards a national figure who fought for the country.”
“Our struggle was not against any individual or organisation, but for the values and ideology we believe in. This verdict has strengthened our commitment. I sincerely thank the judiciary and all senior leaders, party workers, supporters, friends, and well-wishers who stood by me throughout this legal battle,” he added.
Basavaraj H. Hugar
Former District President,
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Yuva Morcha, Vijayapura District.
