The death of Chennamma, the wife of former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda, has brought together family members, political figures, and well-wishers to pay their respects. Prajwal Revanna, who is in judicial custody, is also in grief, and arrangements are being made for him to be a part of his grandmother's final rites.
Prajwal Revanna will be able to attend Chennamma's funeral through video conference, so he can be part of the last rites even though he is in prison. That is because discussions were held to have him participate in the funeral through the internet.
Prajwal Revanna had also asked prison authorities to allow him to join in on the funeral video conference with the family. It was also reported that jail officials had expressed interest and allowed him to participate in the family's final farewell to Chennamma.
But Director General of Prisons (DGP) Alok Kumar later clarified the official position on the matter. Speaking to the media, he said Prajwal Revanna had not yet submitted any formal application seeking permission to attend the funeral through video conference.
The DGP said prison authorities can consider such requests only after receiving an official application from the inmate. If Prajwal Revanna files a request, the authorities will consider it in accordance with prison rules and legal procedures, and permission for video conferencing can be granted if all necessary conditions are met.
The clarification has underlined the standard administrative process followed by Karnataka's prison department in cases of inmates wanting to participate in important family events. In large part, video conferencing is only used in exceptional cases, and prisoners can attend funerals or court proceedings while awaiting trial.
Chennamma’s death has come as a shock to the Deve Gowda family. Known for maintaining a low public profile, she stood beside H.D. Deve Gowda during his political journey, from his days in Karnataka politics to becoming the Prime Minister of India. Family and political officials, including politicians from other states, have paid tribute to her and recalled her as an outstanding person in one of Karnataka’s most prominent political families.
Several leaders came to the family to offer their condolences as soon as the news of her death came out. Janata Dal (Secular) members also came out to pay their respects to Chennamma for her contribution to the family’s long public life.
Prajwal Revanna's participation has attracted the interest of the public because of the legal constraints on his custody. Virtual participation through video conferencing has been established as a popular method within exceptional humanitarian situations, legal experts say, as it can be an efficient solution in family dynamics while balancing security and judicial requirements.
The prison administration will act strictly in accordance with established procedures,” the officials said. If that application is submitted and approved, Prajwal Revanna will be able to attend the funeral and pay his final respects to his grandmother.
The funeral will be attended by family members, senior political leaders, JD(S) workers, and supporters who will gather to bid farewell to Chennamma and remember her lasting contribution to the Deve Gowda family.
