Supreme Court to decide actor Darshan’s fate amid delay claims and jail controversy
Bengaluru, May 14: Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa is likely to receive a crucial verdict from the Supreme Court on Friday, May 15, in connection with the high-profile Renukaswamy murder case, a case that has remained under intense public and legal scrutiny for nearly two years.
The actor, currently lodged in Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, has approached the apex court seeking bail, citing prolonged delay in trial proceedings and alleged difficulties inside the prison. The matter has been heard over the past few days, and the court is expected to pronounce its order on Darshan’s plea on Friday.
Darshan’s legal team argued before the Supreme Court that the trial in the Renukaswamy murder case had moved at an extremely slow pace, despite the seriousness of the allegations. According to submissions made before the court, fewer than 10 witnesses have been examined out of nearly 270 listed witnesses, even after several months of proceedings.
Darshan cites prison harassment and security concerns
Apart from seeking bail over delayed trial proceedings, Darshan also raised concerns regarding his safety and treatment inside prison. In his petition, the actor reportedly alleged chaos within the jail premises, threats from inmates, and harassment during custody.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed the Karnataka Prisons Department to submit a detailed report regarding the allegations made by the actor.
However, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP), appearing for the prosecution, rejected Darshan’s claims and informed the court that the actor is being kept separately from other inmates under monitored security arrangements.
“Darshan has been lodged in a separate cell and does not have direct interaction with other prisoners,” the prosecution reportedly submitted before the court.
The prosecution also submitted CCTV footage and bodycam visuals to counter the allegations raised by the actor regarding prison conditions.
Delay in trial becomes key point in bail plea
Darshan’s lawyers further contended that the trial has not progressed at the expected pace and argued that continued incarceration without timely examination of evidence violates the principles of justice. The petition requested interim relief until the completion of the trial process.
In response, the Special Public Prosecutor reportedly informed the court that the delay in proceedings was also linked to multiple applications and legal petitions filed by the accused side during the course of the trial.
The Renukaswamy murder case dates back to June 8, 2024, when Bengaluru Police arrested Darshan, actress Pavithra Gowda, and several others in connection with the sensational murder case.
Darshan was initially granted bail in October 2024 on medical grounds. Several co-accused, including Pavithra Gowda, later secured bail as well. During the period of release, Darshan resumed professional commitments and completed shooting portions of the film Devil.
However, Bengaluru Police later challenged the bail order before the Supreme Court. Following detailed hearings, the apex court cancelled the bail granted to Darshan and some other accused in August 2025. Since then, the actor has remained lodged in Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.
Friday’s verdict is now expected to play a decisive role in determining the immediate future of the actor in one of Karnataka’s most closely watched criminal cases.
