The Karnataka High Court has upheld the trial court’s order taking cognisance and issuing summons to former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) case.
While allowing the trial to proceed, the High Court directed the trial court not to insist on Yediyurappa’s personal appearance unless it becomes necessary at any stage. It also asked the court to consider any exemption applications filed on his behalf, except when his presence is deemed essential for the proceedings.
The High Court further clarified that the trial court must decide the case strictly on the basis of evidence led during the trial, without being influenced by observations made in the High Court’s orders on the petitions.
It noted that the petitioners are free to move all permissible applications before the trial court, including a plea for discharge.
With these directions, the petitions were disposed of.
CASE BACKGROUND
The case was filed by a minor’s mother, who alleged that Yediyurappa molested her daughter during a meeting on February 2, 2024, at his Bengaluru residence.
The woman and her daughter had paid a visit to the former Karnataka Chief Minister to seek help in getting justice in a previous case of sexual assault (on the daughter) and other issues. The mother later died of health issues.
