THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Dec 2: The Supreme Court on Tuesday halted trial proceedings against former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa in a sexual harassment case registered under the POCSO Act, giving temporary relief to the BJP veteran as he challenges earlier judicial orders.
The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, said it would first examine whether the matter should be sent back to the Karnataka High Court for fresh consideration. A formal notice was issued to all parties, and the trial has been paused until the Supreme Court takes a final view.
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Yediyurappa’s legal team argued that important evidence had been disregarded by the high court, including statements that, according to them, contradicted the allegations. They insisted the prosecution had withheld certain materials and maintained that the accusations were not only inconsistent but also politically driven.
The case stems from a complaint filed on March 14, 2024, by a woman—now deceased—who alleged that Yediyurappa molested her 17-year-old daughter when the family visited his residence seeking assistance. She also claimed that he attempted to silence the matter with monetary offers. An FIR under multiple provisions of the POCSO Act was registered the same day.
In July 2024, a trial court took cognisance of offences not only against Yediyurappa but against three others accused of destroying evidence and attempting to suppress the complaint. The Karnataka High Court later set aside this order, calling it inadequate, and directed the trial court to review it.
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Following the high court’s direction, a Fast-Track Special Court issued a fresh cognisance order on February 28 and summoned all accused, including Yediyurappa, to appear on March 15. The former chief minister then challenged both the complaint and the February 28 order, but the Karnataka High Court refused to intervene last month.
This rejection prompted Yediyurappa to approach the Supreme Court, which has now stayed the proceedings while it evaluates the next steps.
