“Prima facie, it’s a matter for trial,” says HC on Yediyurappa’s POCSO case

Bengaluru

In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court on Wednesday orally remarked that the case registered against former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act “prima facie” warrants a trial.

The high court was hearing Yediyurappa’s second plea seeking to quash the trial court’s order from February 28, 2025, which had taken cognisance of the case and issued summons against him. The former CM has also sought the quashing of the FIR and the chargesheet filed in connection with the case.

Justice M I Arun, while hearing arguments from Yediyurappa’s counsel and the State, made an oral observation that the matter seemed to be one for trial, adding, “Of course, I will hear you.”

The bench acknowledged that Yediyurappa, now a leader of the opposition, might claim to be facing undue harassment. It suggested that certain observations could be made to prevent such harassment. “The fact remains that he (Yediyurappa) is in the opposition party, they (petitioners) may say he is unnecessarily being harassed. To prevent harassment, some observations can be made,” the bench remarked.

In its observations, the court emphasised that under the POCSO Act, the victim’s testimony alone could be sufficient for a conviction. “When that is the law, the victim’s veracity has to be put to test in trial,” Justice Arun said. He further noted that arguments about the case being a “honey trap” or the mother’s prior actions against the petitioner would also have to be settled during the trial.

Sandeep S. Patil, representing Yediyurappa, responded that they would consider the court’s suggestions and needed time to address the matter. The hearing was adjourned to Friday, September 19, with the court indicating that the matter could be concluded after a brief argument.

Previously, the Karnataka High Court had quashed an earlier order by the Special Court that had taken cognisance of the case. Following that, the Special Court issued a second cognisance order on February 28, 2025, which was later stayed by the high court.

The case stems from a complaint filed by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, who alleged that Yediyurappa sexually assaulted her daughter during a meeting at his residence in Bengaluru in February 2024. The Sadashivanagar police initially registered the FIR on March 14, 2024, and later transferred the case to the CID, which re-registered the FIR and filed the chargesheet.