The Supreme Court on Friday declined to cancel the bail granted to Kannada actors Darshan Thoogudeepa, Pavithra Gowda, and five others in the Renukaswamy murder case.
However, the Court agreed to examine the Karnataka government’s challenge against the Karnataka High Court’s decision.
A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan issued a notice to the accused actors, including Darshan, in response to the state’s petition. The Karnataka government had expressed concerns that other co-accused might seek bail based on the High Court’s order, potentially taking advantage of it.
The bench stated, “Since the state is praying for cancellation of bail, it would not be proper to stay the operation of the order, as it would amount to cancelling bail. However, to protect the interests of the prosecution, if any co-accused applies for bail, the concerned court shall not rely on the order challenged before us. Any bail application shall be decided on its own merit.”
Background of the Case
Darshan and the other accused were granted bail by the Karnataka High Court on December 13, 2024. The actor had been arrested on June 11, 2024, for allegedly orchestrating the murder of his fan, Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old autorickshaw driver. Renukaswamy had reportedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, prompting Darshan to allegedly order his kidnapping and subsequent killing.
Before being granted bail, Darshan was initially held at the Parappana Agrahara Jail in Bengaluru. However, after a photograph surfaced showing him relaxing with fellow inmates, he was transferred to Ballari Central Jail.
The state moved the Supreme Court on January 6, 2025, challenging the bail order.
Murder and Investigation
Renukaswamy’s remains were discovered on June 9, 2024, a day after the alleged attack. It was reported that Darshan had allegedly encouraged his fans to target Renukaswamy for posting derogatory comments about Gowda on social media.
Darshan was initially granted interim bail on October 30, 2024, on medical grounds for six weeks. In December, the Karnataka High Court extended regular bail to him and others. The state now seeks the cancellation of this bail, prompting the Supreme Court’s notice to the accused.
