Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa seeks to quash a sexual assault case filed against him under the POCSO Act. His counsel claims the complainant is a “habitual complainant” with mental health issues and highlights procedural lapses in the case. The court will continue hearing the petition on December 12.
Karnataka: Former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa has sought the quashing of a sexual assault case filed against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The matter, heard by the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday, saw heated arguments as Yediyurappa’s counsel described the complainant as a “habitual complainant” with alleged mental health issues.
“She Was a Notorious Lady,” Claims Yediyurappa’s Counsel“
Senior Advocate CV Nagesh, representing Yediyurappa, argued that the allegations lacked credibility due to the complainant’s history.
“She (complainant) was a notorious lady. She had 56 cases against her… She used to accuse everyone and file complaints against the DGP, the Leader of Opposition, her own son, her husband, against anybody. The evidence is that she was a mentally retarded person,”
he claimed, urging the court to scrutinize her statements critically.
Nagesh further alleged procedural lapses in the case.
“The magistrate has taken cognisance and issued summons in the case without any application of mind… This order of cognisance and issuance of summons is a mechanical one,”
he argued, highlighting the absence of crucial evidence such as the 164 statement and medical report in the chargesheet.
Senior Advocate Ravivarma Kumar, appearing for the State, urged the court to vacate the interim protection granted to Yediyurappa, which currently exempts him from appearing in person before the trial court.
The allegations stem from a complaint lodged on March 14, wherein a woman accused Yediyurappa of molesting her 17-year-old daughter during a visit to his residence. The complaint also claimed that Yediyurappa attempted to hush up the issue by offering money.
An FIR was subsequently registered under Section 8 of the POCSO Act and Section 354(A) of the Indian Penal Code, accusing the former Chief Minister of sexually harassing the minor.
The complainant, however, passed away in May 2024 at a private hospital in Bengaluru, leaving questions about the case’s future.
The Karnataka High Court will continue hearing arguments on Yediyurappa’s petition to quash the case on December 12.
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