Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 8: Senior BJP leader and former chief minister B S Yediyurappa has approached the Karnataka high court seeking relaxation of travel restrictions imposed on him in a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case.

A division bench headed by Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur, while hearing the plea, orally observed: "With greatest respect to the senior leader, one must be conscious of consequences when involved in such deplorable acts." The court agreed to hear the matter after summer vacations and directed prosecutors to file objections.

Legal tussle intensifies

Yediyurappa's counsel, C V Nagesh, argued that his client, a national-level political figure, requires unrestricted travel for work and cannot approach courts repeatedly. The bench, however, reiterated its stance, noting that "for at least another month, he isn’t going anywhere."

Special public prosecutors Ravivarma Kumar and Ashok Nayak opposed the plea, asserting they would file formal objections. The travel ban was imposed as a condition for Yediyurappa’s anticipatory bail in the case.

Case background

The high court had earlier stayed summons from a Fast Track Court (FTC) requiring Yediyurappa’s appearance, observing the need for "a deeper probe." However, on February 7, it refused to quash charges against him while granting anticipatory bail.

The CID’s June 2024 charge sheet alleges that on February 2, 2024, Yediyurappa sexually harassed a minor girl at his residence after her mother sought his help regarding a prior assault. He faces charges under POCSO and IPC sections 354A (sexual harassment), 204 (evidence tampering), and 214 (bribery to conceal crime).

Yediyurappa denies the allegations, calling them "politically motivated." The next hearing awaits the prosecution’s response.