A Bengaluru Fast Track Court has summoned former Karnataka CM B.S. Yediyurappa and three co-accused in the POCSO case. All four have been directed to appear on December 2 after the High Court allowed the trial to proceed.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
BENGALURU: In a crucial legal development, a Fast Track Court in Bengaluru has issued summons to former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and three co-accused in a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case. All four are required to appear before the court on December 2, according to court orders.
ALSO READ: Trial Must Continue: Karnataka HC Refuses to Quash POCSO Case Against B.S. Yediyurappa
High Court’s Decision
This move follows a November 13 decision by the Karnataka High Court, which refused to quash the POCSO case against Yediyurappa and the other accused. The High Court held that the material on record was sufficient to justify a trial. It ruled that quashing the proceedings at this stage would be inappropriate, as the trial court must examine the evidence in detail.
With this, the trial against Yediyurappa under the POCSO Act will proceed before the Special POCSO Court in Bengaluru, while the veteran leader will not be required to appear in person unless summoned specifically.
- The High Court upheld a previous trial-court order that had taken cognizance of the chargesheet in this case.
- However, the court also clarified that Yediyurappa’s personal appearance need not be insisted upon unless deemed necessary during the trial.
- Furthermore, the High Court directed the trial court to decide the case strictly based on the evidence presented, rather than being swayed by observations in prior orders.
- It also said that any exemption plea filed on Yediyurappa’s behalf should be considered, unless his presence is essential.
Background of the Case
The case arose from a complaint filed by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, who alleged that Yediyurappa sexually assaulted her daughter during a meeting at his Bengaluru residence in February 2024.
The Sadashivanagar police initially registered an FIR on March 14, 2024, which was later transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The CID re-registered the FIR and subsequently filed a chargesheet against the former Chief Minister.
Click Here to Read Our Reports on Yediyurappa
