📷 Image Credits: NDTV
Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, facing accusations of sexual harassment of a minor, has been granted protection from arrest by the Karnataka High Court until the next hearing in the case, scheduled for June 17, 2024. The court made this ruling today, alleviating concerns regarding his potential arrest. The case against Mr Yediyurappa has been ongoing, with a non-bailable warrant issued under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act. The allegations stem from an incident in February 2024 at his residence in Dollars Colony, where he was accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl. Despite the warrant, Mr Yediyurappa’s son has maintained that there is no truth in the complaint. The court has directed the former Chief Minister to appear before the CID investigating the case on June 17. The legality of the arrest warrant was questioned by the High Court, emphasizing the need for careful consideration given Mr Yediyurappa’s age and health conditions. The court highlighted the importance of not rushing to conclusions about the necessity of arrest, especially considering the petitioner’s status as a senior political figure.
The legal proceedings have been marked by conflicting accounts, with Mr Yediyurappa denying the allegations and attributing them to a politically motivated conspiracy. His lawyer has raised concerns about the complainant’s credibility, citing a history of multiple complaints filed by the mother and daughter. Despite the tragic passing of the woman who initially filed the complaint, her son has pursued legal action, urging for immediate arrest and interrogation of Mr Yediyurappa. The case has garnered significant attention from both the Congress and BJP, with accusations of vendetta politics and misinformation being levied from both sides. As the legal battle continues, the Karnataka Home Minister has emphasized the importance of impartial investigation, ruling out any political bias in the case. The complex web of allegations, legal maneuvers, and political affiliations surrounding this case underscores the significance of a fair and thorough judicial process.
