Karnataka High Court Refuses To Quash POCSO Case Against Former CM Yediyurappa

Justice M I Arun upheld the trial court’s February 28 order taking cognisance of the alleged offence and issuing summons to Yediyurappa.

However, the judge directed the trial court to not insist on Yediyurappa’s appearance unless it was “absolutely essential” during the course of the trial. The court also clarified that Yediyurappa has the liberty to approach the trial court to seek discharge from the case.

This present order by Justice Arun follows an earlier High Court order dated February 7, when a single bench presided by Justice M Nagaprasanna had set aside the trial court’s first order taking cognisance of the offences against Yediyurappa, holding that it had been passed “without application of mind.” At the time, however, Justice Nagaprasanna had left the probe and final report untouched and sent the matter back to the trial court for fresh consideration.