Actor Darshan is likely to remain in jail as the court sets a one-year evidence deadline
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday rejected the bail plea filed by Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa in the sensational Renukaswamy murder case, dealing a major setback to the actor who remains in judicial custody.
While refusing immediate bail, the apex court directed that at least 60 witnesses must be examined within one year in the ongoing trial. The court further stated that Darshan would be free to approach the trial court again for bail if the required examination of evidence is not completed within the stipulated period.
The order effectively means that Darshan is likely to remain in jail for at least the next year unless there is a major legal development in the case.
Darshan had approached the Supreme Court citing multiple grounds, including delay in the trial proceedings, alleged lack of facilities inside prison, restrictions on family meetings, health concerns, alleged harassment from inmates and his confinement in a quarantine cell.
However, after hearing arguments from both sides, the bench declined to grant relief to the actor at this stage.
Supreme Court sets a condition linked to witness examination
During the hearing, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Darshan, argued that the trial was moving slowly despite the large number of witnesses in the case.
Rohatgi informed the court that there are over 272 witnesses in the case and that only around 10 witnesses had been examined so far.
“We had requested completion of examination of the main witnesses, but that too has not happened,” Mukul Rohatgi submitted before the court.
Opposing the plea, Special Public Prosecutor Siddharth Luthra argued that the accused side could not seek relief while simultaneously contributing to delays in the proceedings.
According to court submissions, the prosecution assured the bench that examination of at least 60 witnesses would be completed within the next year.
The Supreme Court then directed that Darshan may seek bail before the trial court if the examination of 60 witnesses is not completed within one year.
Court refuses to intervene in prison-related complaints
Darshan had also raised concerns regarding prison conditions and alleged mistreatment during custody at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.
The actor alleged denial of adequate facilities, restrictions on meeting family members and difficulties related to being housed in a quarantine cell.
However, the Supreme Court stated that the accused should receive the same treatment and facilities available to other inmates and declined to issue any separate directions regarding the quarantine cell arrangement.
Advocate calls verdict favourable for Darshan
Following the verdict, advocate Balan reportedly described the Supreme Court’s decision as indirectly favourable to Darshan.
According to him, completing the examination of 60 witnesses within one year could prove difficult considering the complexity and scale of the trial.
The Renukaswamy murder case remains one of Karnataka’s most closely followed criminal cases involving a major film personality. Darshan continues to remain in judicial custody as the trial proceeds.
