Today(on 28th June),The Karnataka High Court is set to hear BS Yediyurappa’s plea to dismiss charges of alleged sexual assault involving a minor, alongside his anticipatory bail plea. Recently, the Karnataka Police filed a chargesheet under the POCSO Act against Yediyurappa in a special court, marking a significant development in the case.
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BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court is set to hear the plea of former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa seeking the dismissal of charges of alleged sexual assault against a minor. Alongside this plea, Yediyurappa’s anticipatory bail application will also be considered by the High Court today(28th June).
On Thursday, the Karnataka Police filed a chargesheet against Yediyurappa in connection with the case. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) submitted the chargesheet under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012, in a special court. The BJP leader has been charged with sexual assault under Section 8 of the POCSO Act and Section 354A (sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code.
The case dates back to March 14, when the victim’s mother lodged a complaint alleging that the BJP leader attempted to molest her child on February 2. According to the complaint, the incident occurred when they visited Yediyurappa’s residence seeking help in a cheating case.
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On June 14, the Karnataka High Court intervened and directed the CID to refrain from arresting Yediyurappa as per the warrant issued by the POCSO court on June 13. The court emphasized that the former Chief Minister’s status was significant, highlighting the seriousness and sensitivity of the issue.
Yediyurappa has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “baseless.” He has asserted his intention to fight the charges in court legally.
“I will contest the charges in court through legal means.”
-he stated, standing firm against the accusations.
The recent passing of the victim’s mother due to lung cancer at a private hospital has added a poignant dimension to the ongoing legal proceedings. Today, the Karnataka High Court’s decision on Yediyurappa’s petitions will be pivotal, shaping the future course of this high-profile case. With serious charges under the POCSO Act and the Indian Penal Code at stake, legal experts and the public are keenly awaiting the outcome.
BS Yediyurappa, a senior BJP leader, has served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka multiple times. His tenures include 2008-2011, a brief period in May 2018, and again from July 2019 to 2021. Yediyurappa’s resignation in 2021 came after weeks of speculation and political uncertainty. During his resignation announcement, he was visibly emotional, stating that the people of the state had lost faith in the government.
Following Yediyurappa’s resignation, Basavaraj Somappa Bommai succeeded him, becoming the 23rd Chief Minister of Karnataka. Bommai held the position from July 2021 until May 2023. The BJP has recently announced Bommai as its candidate for the Haveri constituency in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
