On Sunday(16th June),Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti criticized the Karnataka High Court’s decision to halt the arrest of BJP leader B S Yediyurappa in a POCSO case, alleging it demonstrates selective delivery of justice.
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SRINAGAR: Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, voiced strong criticism against the Karnataka High Court‘s decision to stay the arrest of BJP leader B S Yediyurappa in a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case.
On Sunday(16th June), Mufti stated that this decision highlighted-
“How selective delivery of justice occurs.”
Mufti’s criticism stems from what she perceives as a stark contrast in the treatment of political figures from different parties. She drew comparisons between the leniency shown to Yediyurappa and the harsher actions taken against former Chief Ministers of Jharkhand and Delhi, who, according to her, faced imprisonment on “far lesser charges.”
In January, Hemant Soren, the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with a land scam case. Soren also faces allegations of money laundering, which have further complicated his legal battles. Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal, the current Chief Minister of Delhi, was arrested by the ED on March 21 as part of a money laundering probe related to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy of 2021-22.
Mufti highlighted the discrepancy in the legal treatment of these leaders, noting that-
“The Karnataka High Court’s decision to halt the arrest of BJP’s B S Yediyurappa in a POCSO case, citing his status as a former CM, contrasts sharply with the ongoing detention of ex-CM Hemant Soren and current CM Arvind Kejriwal, both imprisoned for lesser offenses for months.”
In a post on X, Mufti articulated her concerns, stating-
“It reveals the selective delivery of justice.”
Her remarks point to what she perceives as a double standard in the judicial system, where political affiliations seem to influence the severity of legal actions taken against individuals.
The POCSO case against B S Yediyurappa has been a contentious issue, and the Karnataka High Court’s decision to stay his arrest has sparked debate about the impartiality of the judiciary. Mufti’s comments add to a growing chorus of voices questioning the consistency and fairness of legal proceedings in India, especially when high-profile political figures are involved.
On Friday, the Karnataka High Court issued an order suspending any coercive actions, including arrest and detention, against former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa until the next date of hearing. This order came in response to a letter from Yediyurappa, where he volunteered to appear before the police on June 17.
This decision by the High Court followed a significant development on Thursday when a Bengaluru court issued a non-bailable warrant against Yediyurappa. The warrant directed his immediate arrest in connection with allegations of sexual assault against a minor girl under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), a law that addresses sexual crimes against minors.
In March, the mother of the victim lodged a complaint at the Sadashivanagar police station in Bengaluru. She accused Yediyurappa of sexually assaulting her daughter. This serious allegation led to a legal battle, with the victim’s brother filing a petition against the former Chief Minister in court.
The case was taken up by a fast-track court, which, after reviewing the petition and the evidence presented, issued a non-bailable warrant against Yediyurappa. The court’s directive for his immediate arrest highlighted the gravity of the charges and the urgency to bring him to justice.
Despite the issuance of the warrant, Yediyurappa’s legal team swiftly moved to the Karnataka High Court seeking relief from the arrest order. The High Court’s decision to stay the coercive proceedings provides temporary respite for Yediyurappa, allowing him time to present his defense.
The allegations against Yediyurappa have sent shockwaves across the political landscape of Karnataka, given his stature and influence in the state’s political arena. The case has garnered significant media attention and public interest, with many closely following the legal proceedings.
Yediyurappa’s decision to volunteer for police questioning on June 17 indicates his willingness to cooperate with the investigation. However, the seriousness of the charges under the POCSO Act cannot be understated, as they pertain to the protection of minors from sexual offences, a matter of utmost legal and social concern.
The High Court’s next hearing on this matter will be crucial in determining the course of the case. It remains to be seen how the legal process will unfold and whether the allegations against Yediyurappa will be substantiated in court.
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