Karnataka High Court refuses to quash POCSO case against former CM Yediyurappa

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday refused to quash the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case filed against former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa. The court upheld the trial court's order taking cognizance and issuing summons. However, Yeddyurappa was granted exemption from personal appearance. Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa resigns ahead of Floor Test Court Order A single bench of Justice M.I. Arun stated that Yeddyurappa's personal appearance would be required only if deemed necessary during the trial. The court clarified that if he files an exemption petition, it will be considered. Furthermore, he has been given the freedom to seek discharge from the trial court. Case Background This case dates back to February 2024. A woman filed a complaint alleging that Yeddyurappa had sexually assaulted her 17-year-old daughter at his residence in Bengaluru. Based on the complaint, the Sadashivanagar police registered a case on March 14, 2024. The case was later transferred to the CID. The agency re-investigated the case and filed a charge sheet. BS Yediyurappa: Cabinet expansion will be done tomorrow, awaiting final list from Amit Shah Yeddyurappa's Arguments Senior advocate C.V. Nagesh argued that the case was politically motivated and the complaint unreliable. He explained that the victim and her mother met with the Police Commissioner several times, but did not file any charges until March. Witnesses present at the scene also denied any untoward incident. Prosecution's Arguments Special Public Prosecutor Professor Ravi Varma Kumar told the court that the trial court thoroughly studied all the evidence, including the victim's statement. He stated that the court's order was logical and judicially justified, and therefore there was no need to set it aside. The court reserved the case for trial, while exempting Yeddyurappa from personal appearance. Rejecting claims of political conspiracy, the court clarified that all claims and evidence will be subjected to proper judicial evaluation. BJP slams Karnataka Government over viral video of Namaz at Bengaluru Airport