A Bengaluru court on Tuesday reserved its order for October 9 on a petition concerning the jail facilities provided to actor Darshan, who is lodged in prison as an accused in the Renukaswamy murder case.
During the hearing before the 57th Sessions Court, jail authorities submitted a detailed report on Darshan’s current prison conditions. The court then heard extensive arguments from both sides.
Defence Seeks Shift Of Cell
Darshan’s counsel, advocate Sunil, pressed for the actor to be shifted to a different cell, arguing that excessive restrictions were being imposed.
“Many VIPs have been imprisoned. Were they all given the same kind of security? Why is so much security only for Darshan?” he asked, questioning why his client had been kept in a quarantine cell for 45 days when the jail manual prescribes only 14 days.
Sunil also drew comparisons with other inmates, saying, “Look at the facilities Umesh Reddy (convicted rapist) was given — luxurious ones. If needed, I can produce documents.”
Prosecution Counters
Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Prasanna Kumar opposed the plea, urging the defence to be specific.
“My dear friend, just tell us what facilities you want. We are already providing what is required. Why all this argument beyond that?” he said.
At this point, the judge intervened, reminding the counsel to be concise:
“Ask for what you want. We don’t have time for this; there is other work pending.”
Dispute Over ‘Quarantine’ Rule
Advocate Sunil further argued that keeping Darshan in a quarantine cell was unlawful.
“A new law is being created that does not exist. The word ‘quarantine’ does not appear in the jail manual. If that word was there, I would have withdrawn the case right away,” he said.
The SPP countered, maintaining that the term does appear in the manual.
After considering arguments from both sides, the court reserved its order, which will now be pronounced on October 9.
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