New Delhi: There could be further trouble brewing for Kannada actor Darshan with the Supreme Court expressing serious reservations over the Karnataka High Court’s decision to grant him bail in the Renukaswamy murder case.
While hearing of a special leave petition filed by the Karnataka government, a bench comprising Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan orally stated that it was “not at all convinced” by the Karnataka High Court’s exercise of discretion in granting bail.
The Supreme Court also asked Darshan’s legal team to present strong reasons why it should not overturn the High Court’s December 13, 2024, order, which allowed the actor bail.
Darshan is accused of the brutal killing of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, reportedly over obscene messages sent to actress Pavithra Gowda. The Apex Court had issued notice on the matter on January 24, following the appeal by the state the High Court’s order that granted bail to Darshan and 16 others.
Darshan, 47, was arrested on June 11, 2024, days after the body of 33-year-old Renukaswamy was found near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru. Police alleged the victim was killed for sending obscene messages to Darshan’s associate, actress Pavithra Gowda.
A chargesheet filed on September 3 named Pavithra as accused No.1 and Darshan as accused No.2, along with 15 others. Darshan was earlier granted interim medical bail on October 30, 2024. All 17 accused are currently out on bail.
