New Delhi, Nov. 14 -- The Karnataka high court on Thursday refused to quash the case registered against former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.

Justice M I Arun upheld the trial court's February 28 order taking cognisance of the alleged offence and issuing summons to Yediyurappa.

However, the judge directed the trial court to not insist on Yediyurappa's appearance unless it was "absolutely essential" during the course of the trial. The court also clarified that Yediyurappa has the liberty to approach the trial court to seek discharge from the case.

This present order by Justice Arun follows an earlier High Court order dated February 7, when a single bench presided by Justi...