POCSO case: Karnataka high court grants interim relief to former CM BS Yediyurappa

NEW DELHI: Karnataka high court on Friday provided interim relief to former chief minister and BJP central parliamentary committee member BS Yediyurappa in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case, staying the summons that required his personal appearance before the First Fast Track Court on March 15.
Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur's bench was reviewing Yediyurappa's petition to dismiss the chargesheet and noted the necessity for a thorough investigation and subsequently stayed both the summons and the court's recognition of the matter.
Senior counsel CV Nagesh, representing Yediyurappa, noted previous interim relief granted by the high court. He clarified that the IT section in the FIR would apply to the complainant, not Yediyurappa, as the conversation remained intact on the victim's mother's mobile phone.
The chargesheet relied on statements from the victim and her mother. Counsel Nagesh said that the complaint reached police commissioner a month after the alleged occurrence.
The case concerns allegations of inappropriate contact on February 2, 2024.
The CID submitted their charge sheet on June 27, 2024, to a special fast-track court. The chargesheet names Yediyurappa and three others under POCSO Act and IPC sections including 354(A), 204, and 214. According to the chargesheet, when the complainant sought assistance regarding her 17-year-old daughter's assault, Yediyurappa allegedly committed misconduct.
The document states that following social media posts about the incident, intermediaries arranged a meeting where Yediyurappa provided Rs 2 lakh, allegedly leading to deletion of related media. The victim's mother died on May 26, 2024, in Bengaluru due to health issues.
Yediyurappa had said, "A mother and daughter were found near my residence, appearing distressed. Out of compassion, I called them to inquire about their situation. I even called the Bengaluru Police Commissioner to help them. However, they began making accusations against me. Despite this, I gave them financial help. I will face these charges in court."
Although the HC previously granted concessions regarding court appearances, it had not stayed the case. Advocate general Shashikiran Shetty opposed relief for Yediyurappa, emphasising that the previous HC order merely excused court appearances without halting proceedings.
The Bengaluru First Fast Track court had issued summons on February 28, requiring Yediyurappa's presence on March 15. The court's decision followed review of the police chargesheet. Yediyurappa had previously received HC immunity regarding summons.
On February 7, the HC declined to dismiss charges against him and granted him anticipatory bail, preventing arrest. The fresh FTC summons raised potential legal consequences.