SC reserves verdict on plea to cancel Actor Darshan’s bail in Renukaswamy murder case

The Supreme Court has concluded the hearing on a petition challenging the bail granted to Kannada actor Darshan in the high-profile Renukaswamy murder case. The final judgment has been reserved and is expected next week. The petition, filed by the Karnataka state government, contests the regular bail granted earlier by the High Court to Darshan and other accused.

The case pertains to the brutal murder of Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, who allegedly sent obscene messages to Darshan’s partner, Pavithra Gowda. Following this, on June 8, 2024, Renukaswamy was reportedly tortured and murdered. Actor Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others were arrested by police on June 11 in connection with the incident.

All accused were initially jailed and held in Parappana Agrahara prison in Bengaluru. However, after a controversial photograph of Darshan receiving VIP treatment in jail went viral, the court ordered his transfer to Ballari prison. Citing health issues, Darshan was granted interim medical bail on October 30. Subsequently, on December 13, regular bail was issued to all 17 accused.

The state government, dissatisfied with this decision, approached the Supreme Court on January 7, 2025. On July 17, the apex court expressed concern over the High Court’s bail order. Darshan’s legal counsel, senior advocate Siddharth Dave, requested additional time, pushing the matter to July 22. Today, the bench reserved its order after hearing arguments regarding the bail status of Darshan (A2), Pavithra Gowda (A1), and five other key accused.