Yediyurappa Requests Travel Restrictions Eased in POCSO Case
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Synopsis
Former Karnataka CM B.S. Yediyurappa has petitioned the High Court for easing travel restrictions linked to a POCSO Act case. The bench acknowledged the petition and plans to hear it after summer. Yediyurappa maintains the charges are false and politically motivated.
Key Takeaways
- B.S. Yediyurappa seeks relaxation of travel restrictions.
- High Court to consider the petition post-summer holidays.
- Prosecution is directed to file objections.
- Yediyurappa claims charges are politically motivated.
- Travel restrictions were conditions of his anticipatory bail.
Bengaluru, April 7 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and member of the BJP Central Parliamentary Committee, B.S. Yediyurappa, has filed a petition with the High Court requesting modifications to the travel limitations imposed by a lower court related to a case under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The High Court bench, presided over by Pradeep Singh Yerur, commented on the petition, stating, “With utmost respect for the esteemed political figure, they must recognize the implications of engaging in such abhorrent activities.”
The bench acknowledged Yediyurappa’s request and indicated that it would be addressed for a hearing following the forthcoming summer recess. The court has mandated the prosecution to present its objections regarding Yediyurappa's application.
Senior advocate C.V. Nagesh, representing Yediyurappa, argued that his client, being a prominent political figure, requires the ability to travel across the state and the nation. He emphasized that seeking court permission for every travel requirement is impractical.
During this discussion, the bench reiterated the need for political leaders to consider the consequences of their actions in such serious matters. Nonetheless, counsel Nagesh contended that the allegations against Yediyurappa are unfounded.
The bench also recognized Yediyurappa's position as a Central Parliamentary Board Member and remarked that he will remain under travel restrictions for at least another month.
Special Public Prosecutors Prof Ravivarma Kumar and Ashok N Nayak opposed Yediyurappa's motion and intend to submit objections.
The travel limitations were part of the conditions imposed when Yediyurappa was granted anticipatory bail. The same bench had previously provided interim relief by suspending summons that required his attendance at the first Fast Track Court (FTC). This ruling was made while considering Yediyurappa's plea to dismiss the charge sheet against him.
The court noted that a thorough investigation is essential in this matter, leading to the suspension of both summons.
On February 7, the Karnataka High Court declined to dismiss the charges against him. However, the bench granted him anticipatory bail, protecting him from arrest. The new summons from the FTC has sparked worries regarding potential legal repercussions.
The former Chief Minister has rejected the accusations, asserting that they are politically motivated and that he is ready to confront the legal processes.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigating the case submitted a charge sheet to a special fast-track court on June 27, 2024.
According to the charge sheet, Yediyurappa, along with three other individuals, faces charges under the POCSO Act and various sections of the IPC, including 354(A) (sexual harassment), 204 (destruction of documents), and 214 (offering bribes to conceal an offense).
The charge sheet alleges that on February 2, 2024, the complainant visited Yediyurappa's residence to seek 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 managed to leave the room.
