Overview

• The Karnataka High Court has stayed a summons requiring former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa to appear in court on March 15 in a POCSO case.
• The case stems from allegations of sexual harassment filed by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, based on an incident alleged to have occurred in February 2024 at Yediyurappa’s residence.
• The Criminal Investigation Department filed a charge sheet in June 2024, accusing Yediyurappa and three associates of offenses under the POCSO Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code, including sexual harassment and destruction of evidence.
• Yediyurappa has denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated, and the BJP has echoed this stance, calling it a conspiracy by the ruling Congress government.
• The High Court had previously granted Yediyurappa anticipatory bail, preventing his arrest and exempting him from mandatory court appearances during the trial process.