The Supreme Court on Thursday revoked the bail granted to Kannada film star Darshan and others accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, stressing that the law applies equally to all, regardless of fame.
A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan overturned the Karnataka High Court’s December 13, 2024 order, calling it legally flawed. The court instructed authorities to take the accused back into custody immediately and to ensure the trial proceeds without unnecessary delay.
Justice R Mahadevan, reading from the order, observed that the High Court’s decision was issued in a “mechanical” manner and at a premature pre-trial stage.
“The trial court is alone the appropriate forum. The well-founded allegations, coupled with forensic evidence, re-enforce the cancellation of bail,” he said.
Justice Pardiwala, in his remarks, underscored the broader message of the ruling, “No man is above the law or below it. Nor do we ask anyone’s permission when we obey it. The need of the hour is to maintain rule of the law at all times.”
Stern Warning On Jail Privileges
The apex court also cautioned the Karnataka government against offering any special privileges to the accused while in custody.
“The day we come to know that the accused persons are being provided 5-star treatment, the first step would be to place the superintendent into suspension along with all other officials,” the bench warned.
Allegations In The Case
Darshan, actress Pavithra Gowda, and several others face charges of abducting and torturing 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan accused of sending obscene messages to Gowda.
Police allege the victim was confined in a Bengaluru shed for three days in June 2024, subjected to severe torture, and later found dead in a drain.
Court’s Intervention
The Karnataka government had challenged the High Court’s bail order before the Supreme Court, which on January 24 issued notices to Darshan, Gowda, and the other accused.
Now, with the bail cancelled, all the accused will return to custody as the trial continues. The bench has urged that proceedings move forward quickly to ensure justice is not delayed.
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