Bengaluru: The high court granted relief to former CM BS Yediyurappa and three others by staying the order of cognisance and issuance of summons in a Pocso case registered last year. Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur also exempted them from appearing personally before the trial court until the next hearing.
On Feb 7, the high court quashed the July 4, 2024 cognisance order and directed for fresh consideration. On Feb 28, the Bengaluru special court took cognisance and issued summons, prompting the accused to approach HC again.
Senior advocate CV Nagesh, representing Yediyurappa, highlighted that the alleged incident occurred on Feb 2, 2024. The complainant and victim met the police commissioner twice that day and again on Feb 20, 2024, without mentioning the incident. The complaint was filed on March 14, 2024, after a delay of over a month.
Advocate-general Shashikiran Shetty, representing police, opposed interim relief, stating the trial court considered all relevant aspects and HC directions before issuing summons. He emphasised there was sufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
The case involves allegations that Yediyurappa sexually harassed the complainant’s 17-year-old daughter on Feb 2, 2024, during their visit to seek assistance. The complainant, who passed away due to cancer on May 26, 2024, was labelled by the defence as a habitual complainant with 58 cases against various individuals. Yediyurappa claims the complaint stems from political vendetta.