Karnataka HC Issues Notice On BS Yediyurappa's Plea To Modify Bail Condition Barring Him From Leaving Bengaluru Without Prior Permission

The Karnataka High Court on Monday (April 7) issued notice to the state government on an application moved by Former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa seeking to modify the bail conditions imposed on him while granting anticipatory bail in a case registered under provisions of Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Posting the hearing of the matter after summer vacation, Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur said, “List the matter immediately after summer vacation for consideration of IA, respondents to file objections if any.” 

In its order dated February 7, the court had while granting anticipatory bail to him imposed a condition that the petitioner shall not leave the jurisdiction of the concerned Court without prior permission.

Senior Advocate C V Nagesh appearing for the petitioner argued that “I am a senior political leader of a political party, i need to keep moving myself throughout the state and at times throughout the country.”

To which the court orally said “With great respect to the senior counsel and so called senior political leader, they should be aware of all this, when they get involved in all these activities, which are totally deplorable. They should be standing on a higher pedestal to show...” .

Special Public Prosecutor Professor Ravivarma Kumar informed that he will bring the facts to the court's notice. Nagesh then responded by saying “ Provided there is a semblance of truth in it.”

At this stage the court orally observed, “Now for the next one month you are not going anywhere. I will not be sitting next week and resuming after April 21. After vacation we will list the matter. You (State) can file objections to the application and it is not a big ask by him for this period where he wants to travel.”

To this Kumar said “Yes he can always go to the trial court and get permission. For the time being let the condition remain.” The court agreed with him and adjourned the hearing.

As per the complaint filed by the mother (complainant) of a 17-year-old girl, Yediyurappa sexually assaulted her daughter during a meeting in February last year, at his residence in Bengaluru. On March 14, 2024 the Sadashivanagar police had registered the case. Later, it was transferred to CID for further investigation which re-registered the FIR and filed a chargesheet.

Case Title: BS Yediyurappa AND State Of Karnataka

Case No: 5529/2024