Bengaluru Court Summons Former CM Yediyurappa In POCSO Case

The court in its order said, “As already stated, the Honourable High Court of Karnataka confirmed the order of taking cognizance and issuing of summons to accused No.1 to 4. Further, as per Section 35 of POCSO Act, the evidence of the child shall be recorded within a period of 30 days of taking cognizance, hence the court can proceed with the matter and issue an order for early appearance of accused persons.”

It added, “No prejudice will be caused to the accused persons, if the matter is posted for their early appearance. Accordingly, the office is hereby directed to issue summons to accused No.1 to 4 in compliance of the order dated 28.02.2025. Call on December 02.”

As per the complaint lodged by victim's mother, Yediyurappa sexually assaulted her then 17-year-old daughter during a meeting in February last year, at his residence in Bengaluru. On March 14, 2024, the Sadashivanagar police had registered the case. Later, it was transferred to CID for further investigation which re-registered the FIR and filed a chargesheet.

The Dy. SP, Special Enquiry Division, CID had filed chargesheet against all accused 4 for the offence punishable under the provisions of Section 8 of POCSO Act, 2012 and Section 354A, 204, 214 r/w Section 37 of IPC.

The court had taken cognizance for the offences on July 04, 2024. This was however set aside by the High Court and the matter was remanded back. Thereafter, on February 28, the special court again passed an order of taking cognizance against the accused persons. The same was again challenged and the High Court stayed the cognizance on March 14.

After hearing the parties in detail, the High Court finally upheld the order of taking cognizance on November 13.

Significant to note that the High Court has asked the special court not to insist upon Yediyurappa's appearance, unless it is necessary during the course of the trial. It ordered that the trial court "will entertain the exemption application filed on behalf of A-1, unless his presence is essential."

Case Title: CID (SADASHIVANAGAR PS) Versus A1 B S YEDIYURAPPA & Others

Case No: SPL.C/0000420/2025