BS Yediyurappa must face POCSO trial as HC refuses to quash

Bengaluru

The Karnataka High Court has upheld the trial court’s decision to take cognisance and issue summons to former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case.

The High Court permitted the trial to proceed but instructed the trial court not to insist on Yediyurappa’s personal appearance unless it becomes necessary at any stage. Courts are also required to consider any exemption applications filed on his behalf, except when his presence is essential for the proceedings.

The bench further clarified that the trial court must decide the case solely based on evidence presented during the trial, without being influenced by observations made in the High Court’s orders. Petitioners are free to file all permissible applications, including a plea for discharge, before the trial court.

Case

The case was filed by the mother of a minor, alleging that Yediyurappa molested her daughter during a meeting at his Bengaluru residence on February 2, 2024. The visit was reportedly intended to seek the former Chief Minister’s assistance in obtaining justice in a previous sexual assault case involving her daughter, along with other grievances. The mother later passed away due to health issues.