Former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Saturday contested the applicability of the one-year timeline prescribed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for completing trials, in connection with the case registered against him.
Section 35 of the POCSO Act stipulates that trials should be concluded within a year from the date of cognisance. However, Yediyurappa’s counsel, senior advocate C.V. Nagesh, argued before Justice M.I. Arun of the Karnataka High Court that the statutory period begins only after charges are framed. Since cognisance in this matter has been stayed, he submitted, the trial deadline has not yet commenced.
The case stems from a complaint filed in March 2024 by a woman who alleged that Yediyurappa had inappropriately touched her minor daughter during a meeting at his residence. Following the complaint, the Bengaluru police registered an FIR on March 14, 2024.
Appearing for Yediyurappa, Nagesh contended that the complainant had a history of filing multiple complaints against senior officials, police officers, and even her own family members. He urged the court to treat the allegations with caution, describing the complainant’s conduct as habitual. He also raised questions over the timing of the complaint, pointing out that the complainant had met the Commissioner of Police on the very day of the alleged incident but delayed filing the FIR.
Special Public Prosecutor Ravivarma Kumar opposed the submissions, arguing that such contentions had already been considered in earlier proceedings. He referred to Justice M. Nagaprasanna’s order in February, which directed that fresh cognisance be taken while upholding the validity of prior steps in the process.
After hearing both sides, Justice M.I. Arun adjourned the matter to September 2 for further arguments.
