Today, On 24th July, Supreme Court reserved its verdict in the case and criticised the Karnataka High Court for granting bail to actor Darshan, calling it a “perverse exercise of power” in such a serious offence.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court reserved its decision on the Renukaswamy murder case on Thursday, criticizing the Karnataka High Court for the way it granted bail to Kannada actor Darshan and the other accused.
A bench led by Justice BR Gavai expressed strong disapproval of the High Court’s approach, questioning whether judicial discretion had been exercised appropriately.
The court inquired,
“We are sorry to say, but does the High Court dictate the same kind of orders in all bail applications?”
The court was subsequently informed that the trial is expected to conclude within six months.
The Court remarked,
“What’s troubling us is the approach of the High Court. Look at the manner in which it has been done. Is that the understanding of a High Court judge? We could understand if it were a sessions judge. But a High Court judge committing such a mistake?”
The Supreme Court characterized it as a “perverse exercise of discretion,” indicating that it was scrutinizing whether the High Court had “applied its mind judiciously” before allowing bail in such a grave matter.
The bench remarked,
“We will not make the same mistake the High Court did,”
The Bench added,
“We are a little serious because it is a case of murder and conspiracy.”
Darshan Thoogudeepa, along with 13 others, is currently imprisoned, facing charges related to the murder of Renukaswamy. He was allegedly kidnapped, tortured, and killed by the actor’s associates after sending inappropriate messages to Pavithra Gowda, a friend of Darshan.
Renukaswamy’s remains were discovered in a stormwater drain on June 9.
In August of the previous year, there was significant controversy when images surfaced showing Darshan and other accused relaxing and smoking in lawn chairs within a jail garden. Following this, the actor was relocated to a different facility.
Also Read: [Renukaswamy Murder Case] Actor Darshan Remanded to Judicial Custody Until July 4
The body of 33-year-old auto-driver Renukaswamy was discovered on June 9, with allegations suggesting he died from injuries inflicted during an attack orchestrated on Darshan’s orders.
It is claimed that Darshan incited his fans to confront and kidnap Renukaswamy for making derogatory remarks about Pavithra Gowda on social media. Darshan was arrested on June 11 of this year.
On October 30, the High Court granted him interim bail for six weeks on medical grounds, and later, on December 13, it granted regular bail to Darshan, Pavithra, and the other five accused.
Single-judge Justice S. Vishwajith Shetty noted that the prosecution had failed to provide valid grounds for the arrest of the accused. He referenced a Supreme Court judgment in the case of journalist and editor Prabir Purkayastha, which clarified that grounds for arrest must be distinct from reasons for arrest, ensuring that all arrested individuals receive specific grounds related to their cases to allow for a fair defense and bail application.
In this instance, the High Court observed that the prosecution had delayed serving the grounds for arrest and that these grounds were identical for all accused rather than specific. Following this, the State appealed to the Supreme Court to challenge the bail order.
The plea was filed with the top court on January 6 through Krishna & Nishani Law Chambers.
Darshan apprehended on June 11 for his alleged involvement in the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy. Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, had reportedly sent inappropriate messages to Darshan’s co-star and friend, Pavithra Gowda, who also arrested in connection with the case.
The messages allegedly infuriated the actor, leading him to enlist a member of his fan club to carry out the murder, according to sources.
Sources further revealed that Raghavendra, a member of Darshan’s fan club, enticed Renukaswamy to a shed in RR Nagar under the guise of arranging a meeting with the actor. It was there that Renukaswamy allegedly tortured and killed.
Several of the accused, while in police custody, have confessed that Darshan paid Rs 30 lakh to have Renukaswamy killed, dispose of the body, and destroy evidence. They also reportedly compensated to surrender and take the blame for the murder, according to the investigation report.
The autopsy revealed that Renukaswamy suffered a brutal attack with wooden clubs, leading to his death “due to shock and haemorrhage resulting from multiple blunt injuries.” The post-mortem also noted that Renukaswamy was kicked, causing a ruptured testicle.
Additionally, the autopsy indicated that Renukaswamy was subjected to electric shocks before his death. Details of this alleged torture emerged during the interrogation of an accomplice, according to sources.
Seventeen individuals stand accused in this murder case.
Police seized slippers, clothing, materials, and various documents related to actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who also implicated in the murder, from Pavithra’s residence. It is alleged that Dhanaraj, also known as Raja, a member of Darshan’s group and the ninth accused in the case, administered electric shocks to Renukaswamy. The police recovered an ‘Electric Shock Torch’ from Dhanaraj’s home.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Actor Darshan
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