The Karnataka High Court is scheduled to hear today (September 22, 2025) the petitions filed by former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and others, challenging the trial court's order taking cognizance of offenses in the POCSO case against him.

Background of the Case:
Incident and FIR: The case stems from a complaint filed on March 14, 2024, by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, alleging that Yediyurappa sexually assaulted her daughter on February 2, 2024, at his residence in Bengaluru's Dollars Colony. The duo had visited him seeking help in a prior sexual assault case involving the girl.

An FIR was registered under Section 8 of the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences, 2012) and Section 354(A) of the Indian Penal Code for sexual harassment of a minor.

Investigation: The case was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which filed a chargesheet. Yediyurappa's counsel has argued that the meeting was to discuss the girl's previous assault case and denied the allegations, suggesting it might be a "honey trap."Also Read: Karnataka Citizens' Social and Educational Status Survey Issue: Okkaliga Sangha, Brahmin Mahasabha PIL's Today Hearing in High Court

Key Court Developments:

February 7, 2025: The High Court (Justice M. Nagaprasanna) refused to quash the case but granted Yediyurappa anticipatory bail (₹5 lakh bond with sureties). It remitted the matter back to the trial court for a fresh order on cognizance, noting the special court's initial order lacked proper reasoning.

March 14, 2025: On Yediyurappa's petition, Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur stayed the cognizance order and summons, exempting personal appearance until further hearing.WEET Cotton T-Shirt and Pyjama Set for Men,Night Wear for Men,Men's Pyjama Set 122

September 17, 2025: During hearing of Yediyurappa's second petition to quash the February 28 cognizance order, the bench (details not specified) orally remarked that the allegations appear "prima facie" triable. It noted that under POCSO, the victim's statement alone can suffice for conviction, and issues like the complainant's prior cases must be tested in trial. The matter was adjourned to September 19. The case has political undertones, with BJP leaders defending Yediyurappa (an octogenarian senior leader) and Congress ministers urging swift action.

Today's Hearing:

This is the continuation of the quashing petition against the cognizance order, focusing on arguments like the one-year trial timeline under Section 35 of POCSO (which Yediyurappa claims starts post-chargesheet framing, especially with the stay in place).

Bench: Likely before a single judge (previous hearings by Justices M.I. Arun or others; exact for today not confirmed in recent reports).