On August 30, the Karnataka High Court adjourned the hearing of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa’s quash petition related to the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case.
The court scheduled the next hearing for September 5. This decision followed a request from senior public prosecutor Ashok Naik, representing the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Naik asked for more time to submit additional documents. The court also extended the interim order that prevents the police from taking action against Yediyurappa.
During the proceedings, senior counsel C.V. Nagesh, representing Yediyurappa, criticized Congress ministers for their comments about sending Yediyurappa to jail.
Nagesh pointed out that while these ministers had demanded Yediyurappa’s arrest, they were now seeking to delay the case. He challenged the opposing party to present their arguments immediately, stating that if Yediyurappa’s fate included prison, he would accept it.
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In response, SPP Ashok Naik affirmed that the CID was ready for arguments. Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had urged Yediyurappa to retire from public life.
Siddaramaiah’s remarks came amid BJP calls for his resignation over alleged irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and other corruption claims.
Siddaramaiah stated that Yediyurappa, at 82, faced a serious POCSO case and questioned his moral authority. He suggested that Yediyurappa should retire before criticizing others. Siddaramaiah also challenged Yediyurappa’s right to speak against him.
In contrast, BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra defended Yediyurappa and demanded that Siddaramaiah focus on his own position rather than calling for Yediyurappa’s retirement. Vijayendra accused the Chief Minister of avoiding responsibility for alleged financial misconduct.
The CID filed a charge sheet against Yediyurappa in a special fast-track court on June 27. The charge sheet includes allegations that Yediyurappa, along with three other accused, violated the POCSO Act and various sections of the IPC, including sexual harassment and bribery. According to the charge sheet, Yediyurappa was accused of sexually harassing a 17-year-old girl at his residence and subsequently attempting to cover up the incident by paying the complainant and deleting incriminating photos and videos from social media.
Yediyurappa has denied the charges, stating that he attempted to help the complainant and her daughter, who were found near his residence. He claimed he provided them with financial assistance and then contacted the police for further help. Yediyurappa expressed his readiness to face any legal challenges.
