Bengaluru: Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is under trial in the Renukaswamy murder case, has been granted interim bail for six weeks by the Karnataka High Court on medical grounds. The actor had requested bail to undergo urgent back surgery for L1 and L5 vertebrae pain, as diagnosed by doctors at Bengaluru’s VIMS Hospital.
The High Court’s decision comes after extensive arguments from Darshan’s legal representative, senior advocate C V Nagesh, who highlighted the actor’s need for immediate treatment. The defense presented medical evidence showing numbness in both of Darshan’s feet and proposed surgery at a private hospital in Mysuru, which the actor offered to fund.
The State Prosecutor initially raised concerns over the choice of hospital and the medical details provided, questioning the duration of hospitalization needed. The High Court, however, referred to Supreme Court precedents which support an undertrial’s right to choose their own medical treatment, granting Darshan the six-week period for his surgery and recovery.
Justice S. Vishwajith Shetty, who issued the order, instructed that Darshan’s health updates be monitored during his bail period. The court’s ruling highlights the importance of addressing medical needs even for individuals under trial, balancing legal procedures with humanitarian considerations.