The Supreme Court on Thursday raised serious concerns over the Karnataka High Court’s decision to grant bail to Kannada actor Darshan in the Renukaswamy murder case.
A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan stated that it was “not at all convinced” by how the High Court exercised its discretion. The remarks came during the hearing of a petition filed by the Karnataka government, represented by senior advocate Sidharth Luthra and advocate Anil C Nishani, challenging the December 13, 2024 bail order.
“We will hear you because your clients are on bail. But the manner in which the High Court passed the order is disturbing,” the bench told senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared for Darshan. The Supreme Court scheduled the next hearing for July 22.
Luthra noted that Darshan was seen on stage with a key witness, raising serious questions. Sibal denied any wrongdoing.
Darshan (47) was arrested on June 11, 2024, for the murder of Renukaswamy (33), whose body was found in a Bengaluru stormwater drain on June 9. The police allege that Renukaswamy sent lewd messages to Darshan’s associate Pavithra Gowda, triggering the crime.
Darshan, Pavithra, and 15 others were arrested. A charge sheet filed on September 3 names Pavithra as Accused No. 1 and Darshan as No. 2.
All 17 accused are currently out on bail, including Darshan, who first received interim bail on medical grounds on October 30, 2024.