Supreme Court cancels actor Darshan’s bail: He and other accused to be in jail for at least six months

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court on Thursday cancelled the bail of Kannada film actor Darshan, co-accused Pavithra Gowda, and five others in connection with a high-profile murder case. With this decision, Darshan is now almost certain to spend the next six months in judicial custody while the trial proceeds.

Immediate Surrender or Arrest

Following the apex court’s order, Darshan must either surrender before the Sessions Court immediately or face arrest by the police. The cancellation of bail leaves him with no interim legal protection. Once taken into custody, he will remain in jail until the conclusion of the trial, which the prosecution aims to complete within half a year.

Also read: Darshan's bail cancellation order: Here's what the apex court observed and ruled

Legal Strategy: Karnataka High Court Petition

Despite the setback, Darshan’s legal team is preparing to move the High Court with a plea to quash the First Information Report (FIR) against him and the other accused. This petition would seek outright dismissal of the case.
Earlier, his lawyers had requested the lower court to defer framing of charges until the Supreme Court ruled on his bail. That request had been granted, delaying proceedings. Now, with bail cancelled, the High Court appeal remains his only immediate option, though success is uncertain.

If High Court Rejects Plea

Should the High Court refuse to cancel the case, the matter will proceed in the lower court based on the charge sheet already filed. The court will frame charges under various sections, including murder, destruction of evidence, and kidnapping. Once charges are fixed, the trial will commence with arguments and counter-arguments from both prosecution and defence.

Prosecution’s Fast-Track Timeline

The prosecution has informed the Supreme Court that it intends to expedite the trial. Evidence, witness testimonies, and forensic reports will be examined in detail over the next six months. The lower court will then deliver a verdict on Darshan’s guilt or innocence.

Possible Outcomes

If the court finds the charges unproven, Darshan could walk free — a significant relief in a case that has drawn intense public attention. However, if found guilty, the sentencing phase will determine the length of imprisonment. Until the verdict, Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and the other co-accused will remain behind bars.

With no further bail options available after the Supreme Court’s ruling, all eyes now turn to the High Court appeal and the fast-approaching trial that could decide the actor’s fate.