Former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa Summoned in POCSO Case: Court Orders December 2 Appearance

The Karnataka High Court recently declined to dismiss the case against former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa.

A special court has issued a summons to former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa to appear on December 2 regarding a child sexual abuse case, adding to his legal challenges.

According to the complaint filed by the mother of the victim, the senior BJP leader allegedly sexually assaulted her 17-year-old daughter during a meeting at his Bengaluru residence in February last year.

Last week, the Karnataka High Court refused to quash the case filed against Yediyurappa under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and upheld the trial court's February decision to issue summons to the former chief minister.

The high court bench did note that Yediyurappa's personal appearance should not be mandatory unless deemed necessary.

Following the high court's ruling, Special Public Prosecutor Ashok Naik submitted an application to a fast-track court requesting the revival of the case.

On Tuesday, the fast-track court summoned not only Yediyurappa but also three co-accused individuals: Arun YM, Rudresh Marulasiddiah, and G Mariswamy. All four parties have been directed to appear before the court on December 2.

Police records indicate that the complainant visited Yediyurappa's residence on February 2, 2024, seeking assistance regarding a sexual assault case involving her 17-year-old daughter. She alleged that Yediyurappa took the girl into a private room, locked it, and sexually harassed her. The victim reportedly resisted and left the room, after which the former chief minister refused to provide any assistance to them.