New Delhi, Dec 2 (LatestNewsX) – The Supreme Court eased pressure on former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP Central Parliamentary Committee member B.S. Yediyurappa by halting the proceedings of a Fast‑Track Court tied to a POCSO case that was pending against him.
On Tuesday, a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard Yediyurappa’s special leave petition (SLP), which challenged the Karnataka High Court’s November 13 decision that confirmed the trial court’s authority to process the POCSO charge sheet and ordered the ex‑Chief Minister to stand trial.
The Bench, after sending notice to the state government and the complainant, clarified that it was only questioning whether the matter should be sent back to the Karnataka High Court. It also noted that some points in the High Court’s ruling conflicted with earlier guidance, apparently stemming from misunderstandings in earlier proceedings.
Representing Yediyurappa, senior advocates Siddharth Luthra and Siddharth Dave argued that the prosecution had “crucial statements were suppressed” and that despite numerous discrepancies, the trial court had proceeded on autopilot.
Highlighting the victim of an alleged miscarriage of justice, Luthra remarked, “Yediyurappa has served four terms as Chief Minister.”
The main accused, Yediyurappa, faces allegations from a 17‑year‑old girl who claims he sexually harassed her at his Bengaluru home on Feb 2, 2024. According to her account, she and her mother had come to his residence seeking help after an earlier assault.
The charge sheet states that he allegedly led the girl into a room, restrained her by the wrist, and molested her until she managed to resist and escape.
Yediyurappa has repeatedly denied the charges, insisting he merely tried to help a distressed mother‑daughter pair he found near his home and even reached out to the then‑Bengaluru Police Commissioner for assistance.
“If we come forward to help, these are the consequences to be faced. I will face everything,” he said.
After the investigation, the prosecution filed a charge sheet against Yediyurappa and three other accused individuals for violations under the POCSO Act and several IPC sections, including Section 354A (sexual harassment), Section 204 (destruction of records), and Section 214 (offering a bribe to conceal a crime).
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