In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court has granted anticipatory bail to B S Yediyurappa, the veteran BJP leader and former Chief Minister, in connection with a case filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
On Friday, Justice Nagaprasanna directed the remission of the case to the trial court for further proceedings, thereby partially allowing Yediyurappa’s petition challenging the legal actions initiated against him. The court clarified that the anticipatory bail pertained solely to the process of taking cognizance of the charges, leaving other legal contentions open for future adjudication.
The case against Yediyurappa stems from an allegation made by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, claiming the former Chief Minister sexually assaulted her daughter during a meeting at his Dollars Colony residence on February 2, last year. Following her complaint registered on March 14, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) undertook a thorough investigation, culminating in a charge sheet filed against Yediyurappa and three associates.
In its order, the High Court stated, “Writ petition is allowed in part. The order of taking cognizance by the concerned court dated 04-07-2024, qua accused number 1 (Yediyurappa) stands obliterated. The crime, the investigation, and the final report all remain intact.” It added that the trial court is tasked with passing appropriate orders on the CID’s report, taking into account the High Court’s observations.
Yediyurappa, 81, faces charges under Section 8 of the POCSO Act for sexual assault, in addition to IPC Sections 354A for sexual harassment, 204 for destruction of documents, and 214 related to bribery. His aides, Arun Y M, Rudresh M, and G Mariswamy, have been indicted under the latter two IPC sections.
Justice Nagaprasanna emphasized that Yediyurappa is entitled to seek any available legal remedy at an appropriate stage and forum. This ruling opens the door for him to challenge the proceedings further as the case continues to unfold in the judicial system.
The case has drawn significant media attention, given Yediyurappa’s prominent political stature and the serious nature of the allegations involving a minor. The legal proceedings are closely watched, as they involve intricate questions of law, personal liberty, and child protection.
