The Karnataka High Court on Thursday refused to quash the POCSO case registered against former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, clearing the way for the trial to continue before the Special Court.

Justice M.I. Arun upheld the Special Court’s February 28 order taking cognizance of the alleged offence and issuing summons to the senior BJP leader. At the same time, the court granted him relief on personal appearance, directing that he need not be compelled to attend proceedings unless absolutely necessary. Any plea for exemption, the judge said, should ordinarily be allowed unless the trial court considers his presence essential.

The High Court also clarified that Yediyurappa is free to file a discharge application before the trial court.

This is the second cognizance order in the case. On

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