Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday refused to quash the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case filed against former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa.

Justice M I Arun upheld the trial court's February 28 order taking cognizance of the alleged offence and issuing summons to the senior BJP leader.

However, the court directed that Yediyurappa's personal appearance should not be insisted upon unless necessary during the course of the trial, adding that any exemption plea filed on his behalf should be entertained unless his presence is deemed essential.

The single-judge bench also clarified that Yediyurappa is free to seek discharge from the trial court.

Earlier, on February 7, the High Court had set aside the trial court's first order of cognizance, observi

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