In a significant legal development, the Karnataka High Court has paused the arrest of BS Yediyurappa, former Chief Minister and prominent BJP leader, in a case involving allegations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
On June 13, 2024, an arrest warrant was issued by Judge NM Ramesh of the Additional City Civil and Sessions Court against Yediyurappa. The case in question involves charges under Section 8 of the POCSO Act, coupled with Section 354(A) of the Indian Penal Code, following allegations that a 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted at Yediyurappa’s Bengaluru residence.
Responding to the warrant, Yediyurappa sought intervention from the Karnataka High Court to annul the charges. Justice S Krishna Dixit stayed the arrest, instructing Yediyurappa to present himself for police questioning on June 17, 2024. The Crime Investigation Department continues to probe the accusations, which remain under judicial review.
