The Supreme Court on Tuesday put on hold the ongoing trial against former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (‘POCSO’) Act, 2012 for allegedly sexually harassing a 17-year-old girl.
Issuing notice to the Karnataka government, a Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi passed the interim order while hearing Yediyurappa’s challenge to the Karnataka High Court’s refusal to quash the proceedings. However, the bench clarified that it was issuing only to remand the matter back to the High Court.
“Issue notice. Meanwhile, trial proceedings shall remain stayed,” the Court directed.
Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra, representing Yediyurappa, argued that the High Court overlooked crucial material, stating, “There are certain statements which the prosecution suppresses. The High Court has ignored facts that there are people present, saying nothing as such happened. He has been Chief Minister four times.”
In response, Chief Justice Kant observed, “How can you compel the High Court to hold a mini trial?”
The criminal proceedings against Yediyurappa stem from a complaint filed by a woman alleging that Yediyurappa sexually harassed her 17-year-old daughter during a visit to his residence, where the mother had gone seeking assistance. The woman, who later passed away, lodged the police complaint on March 14, 2024. She further alleged that the former Chief Minister attempted to silence the matter by offering money.
Following the complaint, an FIR was registered under Section 8 of the POCSO Act and Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code.
On July 4, 2024, the trial court took cognizance of the allegations not only against Yediyurappa but also against three others for alleged offences under Sections 204, 214 and 37 of the IPC, relating to destruction of evidence and attempting to shield an accused.
Yediyurappa challenged this order before the Karnataka High Court, which set aside the July cognizance order for being “cryptic” and directed the trial court to reconsider the matter.
Following the High Court's direction, the Fast Track Special Court—through Judge NM Ramesh—passed a fresh cognizance order on February 28 and summoned Yediyurappa and the other accused to appear on March 15.
Yediyurappa once again approached the High Court seeking to quash both the complaint and the fresh cognizance order, asserting that the case was politically motivated and inconsistent. The High Court, however, declined to interfere, leading to the present appeal before the Supreme Court.