Karnataka HC Set to Rule on Yediyurappa's POCSO Case Appeal
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Karnataka High Court is scheduled to announce a ruling on Feb 7 concerning a petition from B.S. Yediyurappa, who is seeking to dismiss charges under the POCSO Act. The case has drawn significant attention due to its political implications.
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka HC will deliver a ruling on Yediyurappa's plea.
- The case involves serious allegations under the POCSO Act.
- Yediyurappa claims the charges are politically motivated.
- The court has extended the stay on proceedings pending the verdict.
- Legal representatives are contesting the credibility of the complainant.
Bengaluru, Feb 7 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court is prepared to deliver its ruling on a petition submitted by former Chief Minister and prominent BJP figure B.S. Yediyurappa, who is seeking to dismiss accusations against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). The judgment will be announced on Friday.
The Bench, led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, had reserved its decision after wrapping up arguments on January 17.
Additionally, the court has prolonged the interim stay on legal proceedings against Yediyurappa until the ruling is made. Should the outcome be unfavorable, Yediyurappa could face serious legal repercussions.
The prosecution contended that Yediyurappa’s request to dismiss the case was strategically timed, as it was filed following the death of the victim’s mother, who had originally lodged the complaint.
Yediyurappa’s attorney, C.V. Nagesh, countered that his client was unaware of the complainant's passing and humorously remarked that he was not a magician. He urged the court to take into account the 45-day interval between the alleged offense and the filing of the FIR.
The legal representative also challenged the credibility of the complainant, highlighting her reported history of submitting multiple FIRs against various senior IAS, IPS, and government officials.
This case originates from an FIR filed at the Sadashivanagar police station in Bengaluru by the mother of a minor, claiming sexual misconduct by Yediyurappa.
The former Chief Minister has denied all allegations, asserting that they are politically driven and that he is ready to confront legal action.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is probing the matter, presented a charge sheet on June 27, 2024, to a specially designated fast-track court.
The charge sheet indicates that Yediyurappa, alongside three other defendants, is charged under the POCSO Act and various sections of the IPC, including 354(A) (sexual harassment), 204 (destruction of documents), and 214 (offering bribes to hide an offense).
According to the charge sheet, on February 2, 2024, the complainant went to Yediyurappa’s home seeking assistance regarding a sexual assault on her 17-year-old daughter. It claims that Yediyurappa took the girl into a room, locked the door, and sexually harassed her.
The victim resisted and exited the room, after which Yediyurappa allegedly denied them any further assistance.
Furthermore, the charge sheet alleges that when the victim posted images and videos of the incident online, Yediyurappa summoned them to his residence via intermediaries and provided them with Rs 2 lakh in cash. He purportedly had the media files removed from both social media and their phone gallery.
The mother of the victim passed away on May 26, 2024, due to health issues in Bengaluru.
Yediyurappa has vehemently denied the allegations, stating, “A mother and daughter appeared distressed near my residence. Out of compassion, I approached them to understand their plight. I even contacted the Bengaluru Police Commissioner to assist them. However, they began making accusations against me. Regardless, I provided them financial assistance. I am prepared to face these charges in court.”
