Prajwal Revanna Case: A Conviction That Should Shake India’s Conscience

The conviction of Prajwal Revanna a sitting MP accused of multiple instances of sexual harassment and assault—should be more than just another headline. It should be a wake-up call for India. Because this case isn’t just about one man’s crimes. It’s about the system that enabled him, the culture that protected him, and the society that allowed such leaders to rise in the first place.The Prajwal Revanna case is not just about one man’s crimes it’s a reflection of a deeper sickness in our political and social ecosystem. It shows how concentrated power, unchecked influence, and weak accountability mechanisms can not only damage governance but also corrode the moral fabric of society.

The Leaders We Create

The truth is uncomfortable: our political system rewards family legacy over merit. Dynastic politics hands over power like family property, producing leaders with entitlement but not necessarily integrity. Add to that the alarming fact that criminally accused candidates routinely contest—and win—elections, and it’s clear why the quality of governance keeps sinking.

When elections are fought with money power, vote-buying, caste arithmetic, and freebies, principles are sidelined. And when voters accept these bargains, we’re not just electing individuals—we’re endorsing the very culture that will later betray us.

The Decline in Leadership Quality

One of the most troubling truths the Prajwal Revanna case reveals is the type of leaders we are producing. Dynastic politics ensures leadership is often inherited, not earned—allowing people to wield power purely through family name rather than merit or integrity.

Even more concerning is the rise of criminally accused candidates contesting—and winning—elections. In a system where money power, vote-buying, caste-based mobilization, and freebies are common, we have normalized politics that rewards manipulation over merit. This steady decline in political integrity inevitably reflects in governance and societal culture.

A Society Losing Its Value System

This decay extends beyond politics—it mirrors a larger erosion of societal values. We are becoming increasingly intolerant of differences—whether in beliefs, lifestyles, or opinions. Instead of celebrating collective progress, we often wait for others to fall, as if their failure somehow validates our own standing.

Where we once valued humanity, good behaviour, and community spirit, today wealth, social status, and power dictate respect. The values that once held society together—integrity, humility, kindness, and cultural respect—are being overshadowed by greed, ego, and the pursuit of dominance.This erosion is no accident—it’s been fueled for years by media, entertainment, and social media platforms that glorify spectacle over substance. The result? We now idolize influencers and politicians for their flash, not their ethics.

Media’s Role in Shaping Mindsets

Our media, news outlets, entertainment industry, and now social media have fueled this decline. Instead of fostering informed, constructive dialogue, many have turned to sensationalism, divisive narratives, and the glorification of wealth and power. Over time, this distorts our sense of what is aspirational—shifting focus from substance to spectacle, from shared well-being to self-promotion.

The Dangerous Concentration of Power

When political influence, wealth, and family legacy converge—as in the case of Prajwal Revanna—power ceases to be a responsibility and becomes a weapon. This concentration of influence corrodes institutions, sidelines the rule of law, and silences victims. It is precisely this imbalance that allows crimes like sexual harassment and assault to be hidden, denied, or downplayed for years until public pressure forces action.

The Social Cost of Corruption and Privilege

The misuse of social and political influence leaves a deep societal scar:

• Erosion of trust in governance and institutions.

• Fear and silence among victims and whistleblowers.

• Unequal justice, where laws bend for some and crush others.

• Cultural decay, as unethical behaviour becomes normalized.

Breaking the Cycle

The Prajwal Revanna case proves justice is possible—but only when public demand, independent investigation, and judicial integrity align. Reform must start with stricter candidate eligibility, transparency in political funding, and stronger public accountability mechanisms.

Equally, we must confront our own role as citizens. If we continue to reward wealth, status, and influence over honesty, humanity, and integrity, we will keep empowering systems that exploit us.

Until we dismantle dynastic control, money-driven politics, declining societal values, and media manipulation, we risk creating a nation where power is worshipped, principles are forgotten, and crimes by the powerful are excused until they can no longer be ignored.

The Prajwal Revanna case should be remembered not just for its criminal verdict, but as a warning—our democracy is only as strong as the values we uphold and the leaders we choose.