HC Reserves Order On Plea To Quash Cognizance, FIR, And Chargesheet
The Karnataka High Court, on Saturday (October 25, 2025), reserved its verdict on a plea filed by former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa seeking to quash the cognizance order dated February 28, 2025, as well as the FIR and chargesheet registered against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Justice M.I. Arun, after hearing detailed submissions from both sides, reserved judgment in the matter.
Background Of The Case
The case arises from a complaint filed by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, alleging that Yediyurappa sexually assaulted the minor during a meeting at his residence in Bengaluru in February 2024.
According to the complaint, the alleged incident occurred on February 2, 2024, following which the complainant and the victim met the Commissioner of Police the same day. Subsequently, on March 14, 2024, a case was registered by the Sadashivanagar Police, which was later transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation. The CID later re-registered the FIR and filed a chargesheet.
Earlier Proceedings Before The High Court
It may be recalled that by an order dated February 7, 2025, the High Court had set aside the earlier cognizance order passed by the Special Court for lack of application of mind and had remitted the matter back to the trial court for reconsideration. The Court had, however, clarified that the investigation and final report filed by the CID would remain intact.
Subsequently, on February 28, 2025, the Special Court passed a fresh cognizance order, which was later stayed by the High Court. The present petitions challenge that second order as well as the underlying criminal proceedings.
Arguments On Behalf Of B.S. Yediyurappa
Appearing for the petitioner, Senior Advocate C.V. Nagesh contended that the Special Court’s order taking cognizance was mechanical and lacked judicial application of mind, despite the earlier High Court ruling highlighting this very defect.
Nagesh questioned the credibility and timing of the complaint, observing that the complainant met the Commissioner of Police on multiple occasions after the alleged incident but made no allegations of misconduct until much later.
“On 02.02.2024, the alleged offence is said to have taken place at 11:30 a.m. The complainant and her daughter met the Commissioner of Police the same day, yet did not disclose any such allegation. Again, they visited me on 05.02.2024, took pictures, and met the Commissioner of Police several times thereafter. Only on March 14, amid political developments, did they lodge the complaint,” Nagesh submitted.
He further submitted that witnesses who were stated to have been present at Yediyurappa’s residence on the date of the alleged incident had categorically stated that no such event took place.
Nagesh argued that the Special Court had failed to examine these contradictions and that the cognizance order was passed mechanically, warranting quashing of the entire proceedings.
State’s Response
Special Public Prosecutor Prof. Ravivarma Kumar, appearing for the State/CID, opposed the plea and maintained that the Special Court had applied its mind before taking cognizance.
He argued that the victim’s statement and material evidence collected during the CID investigation provided a prima facie basis for proceeding with the case.
“The Special Court has considered the victim’s statement and other prosecution materials in detail. The cognizance order reflects due judicial consideration,” Prof. Kumar submitted.
Current Status
After hearing both sides, Justice M.I. Arun reserved the verdict on Yediyurappa’s plea. The High Court had earlier stayed the February 28 cognizance order, and that interim protection will likely continue until the pronouncement of judgment.
The Court’s decision is expected to have significant legal and political ramifications given Yediyurappa’s stature as a former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader.Bench: Justice M.I. Arun
Case Title:B.S. Yediyurappa v. The Criminal Investigation Department
Case Nos.: W.P. No. 7447/2025 c/w W.P. No. 7322/2025
Date of Hearing: October 25, 2025
Court: High Court of Karnataka, Bengaluru
Counsel for Petitioner: Senior Advocate C.V. Nagesh
Counsel for Respondent: Prof. Ravivarma Kumar, Special Public Prosecutor
