Fri Mar 14 08:41:03 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka High Court Stays Trial Against Yediyurappa in POCSO Case
**Bengaluru, March 14, 2025** – The Karnataka High Court today stayed the trial against former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa in a case alleging sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl. The stay order, issued by Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur, halts proceedings until the High Court adjudicates Yediyurappa’s petition challenging the trial court’s decision to take cognizance of the charges.
The case stems from an alleged incident at Yediyurappa’s residence in February 2024, leading to a chargesheet filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Yediyurappa’s legal team argued the complaint was filed a month late and that no assault occurred, citing witness testimonies contradicting the victim’s statement. They contend that the complaint is false.
The High Court’s February 7th order had criticized the trial court’s initial handling of the case for being insufficient, prompting the trial court to revisit its decision. However, the High Court’s latest order stays the proceedings entirely, pending further review.
The State Advocate General, Shashi Kiran Shetty, opposed the stay, arguing that the February 7th order only addressed procedural issues, not the merits of the case, and that delaying the trial would harm the victim. The fast-track nature of POCSO cases was also cited.
The stay also applies to other accused facing charges of bribery related to the case. The High Court has exempted Yediyurappa and the other accused from personal appearances before the trial court until the petition is resolved.
First Piper 