Justice M Nagaprasanna Quashes Trial Court Relief, Orders Strict Compliance with Jail Norms at Parappana Agrahara Prison
Bengaluru: In a significant development in the sensational Renuka Swamy murder case, the Karnataka High Court has imposed a complete ban on home-cooked meals for accused Pavithra Gowda and others lodged in prison, overturning earlier trial court relief that permitted limited food from home.
A bench headed by Justice M Nagaprasanna set aside the order passed by the 57th CCH court, which had allowed Pavithra Gowda, Nagaraj, and Lakshman to receive home meals once a week or on medical grounds. The High Court, which had earlier stayed the facility last month, has now converted that interim stay into a final order, effectively ending the special privilege.
High Court Makes Medical Grounds Mandatory
The High Court made it clear that permission to receive food from home cannot be granted merely upon request by the accused.
“Permission to provide home meals immediately after the accused asks for it cannot be given. Home meals are allowed only if there is medical advice,” the bench observed.
With this ruling, Pavithra Gowda and other accused in the case will no longer be allowed to receive home-cooked meals unless backed by certified medical necessity.
Background: Trial Court Relief Now Quashed
Earlier, the 57th CCH court had conducted a detailed hearing and permitted the accused to receive home meals once a week. The order also mentioned that other accused, including Darshan, could seek similar relief if supported by medical reasons.
However, jail authorities had consistently opposed the arrangement, arguing that prison food meets prescribed standards and that special privileges were unwarranted.
Authorities cited Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI, guidelines, stating that prisoners are provided hygienic, nutritious, and quality meals within the jail. According to officials, the food served at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison is prepared under strict supervision and does not justify exceptions.
Following a writ petition challenging the trial court’s order, the High Court intervened and ultimately struck down the permission granted earlier.
Accused Lodged in Parappana Agrahara Jail
Pavithra Gowda, who is in judicial custody in connection with the Renuka Swamy murder case, had been availing the home-meal facility under special permission. Co-accused Nagaraj and Lakshman were also beneficiaries of the same order.
With the High Court’s latest directive, the facility stands completely withdrawn.
Fresh Arguments in Murder Case Proceedings
Meanwhile, proceedings in the Renuka Swamy murder case continue in the trial court. During recent arguments in the 57th CCH court, counsel for accused A3 opposed an application seeking to array the investigating police officer as an accused, terming the plea “ridiculous.”
The defence argued that if any evidence tampering or fabrication had occurred, the investigating officer would have to answer for it during the course of the trial.
Separately, counsel for Darshan filed an application seeking a day-to-day hearing of the case. However, it was pointed out that the Supreme Court had observed that the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) cannot conduct the trial daily.
