New Delhi: The Karnataka high court on Friday (February 7) has granted anticipatory bail to former chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader B.S. Yediyurappa in a case filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The court’s decision was based on the fact that Yediyurappa, an octogenarian and former chief minister, was unlikely to abscond or not cooperate with the trial.
“The petitioner, as observed herein above, is an octogenarian and has held the position of the chief minister of the state of Karnataka and there can be no apprehension that he would not cooperate with the trial on its ensuing. Therefore, notwithstanding the vehement opposition of the learned special public prosecutor to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner, I find it appropriate to entertain the petition … and grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner on certain conditions,”Justice M. Nagaprasanna was quoted as saying by Bar and Bench.
The court “partly allowed” Yediyurappa’s plea for quashing the POCSO case. However, it remitted the matter back to the trial court saying that “the the probe and final report remains intact,” Live Law reported.
“Petition is allowed in part. Order of taking cognizance stands obliterated. The crime and investigation and final report remains intact. Matter remitted back to the trial court. All contentions remain open,” Justice Nagaprasanna added.
Also read: MUDA Land Scam: Relief For Siddaramaiah as Karnataka HC Dismisses Plea Seeking CBI Probe
The case against Yediyurappa was registered based on allegations made by a woman that he molested her 17-year-old daughter at his residence in Bengaluru. The girl’s mother had lodged a police complaint in March 2024, accusing Yediyurappa of sexual harassment and attempting to hush up the issue by offering her money.
Yediyurappa has denied the allegations, claiming that the victim and her mother had approached him about an earlier case. However, the state argued that the prosecution has adequate material against the BJP leader and that the offense of sexually assaulting a minor is “heinous” and requires him to face trial.
The court has imposed certain conditions on Yediyurappa’s anticipatory bail, including the execution of a Rs 5 lakh bond with two solvent sureties, and restrictions on tampering with evidence, influencing witnesses, and leaving the state without permission.
