The Supreme Court on Thursday strongly rebuked the Karnataka High Court for granting bail to actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, a prime accused in the Renukaswamy murder case. This marked the second time in a week that the apex court slammed the High Court’s handling of the case. A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan condemned the December 2024 bail order, calling it a “perverse exercise of judicial power.”
The Supreme Court directly questioned the High Court’s reasoning for releasing Darshan in a case involving kidnapping, torture, and murder. It criticized the justification that “grounds of arrest were not furnished,” calling such reasoning inappropriate for a murder case. The bench made it clear it would not make the same mistake, emphasizing that it was not judging guilt or innocence but scrutinizing the legal logic behind the bail. The court’s remarks reflected growing frustration with leniency in handling serious criminal charges.
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SC Questions High Court
During the proceedings, the Supreme Court directly addressed counsel for primary accused Pavithra Gowda, making it clear that it would not issue any ruling implying conviction or acquittal. Justice Pardiwala expressed concern over the tone and language of the High Court’s bail order, asking, “Does the High Court issue such orders in other cases too?” The bench pointed out that the order seemed to grant acquittal rather than temporary bail, which undermined the seriousness of the charges.
The justices stressed that while such judicial errors might be forgivable at the trial court level, they are unacceptable when made by a High Court judge. The Supreme Court’s strong criticism reflects growing concern about leniency in serious criminal cases and signals that the bail order could be reviewed or overturned as the trial moves forward.
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SC Questions Special Treatment in actor Darshan Case Amid VIP Privilege Allegations
The Supreme Court questioned the Karnataka government about fast-tracking actor Darshan’s trial in the Renukaswamy murder case and asked why authorities prioritized this case over others. Officials told the court they would complete the trial within six months. Police charged Darshan and 13 others with kidnapping and murdering Renukaswamy after he allegedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, a close friend of Darshan. Investigators found Renukaswamy’s body in a drain on June 9.
Police allege Darshan paid Rs.50 lakh to conspirators, including Rs.30 lakh to the main planner and additional sums to others who dumped the body and submitted false confessions. The public grew angry when Darshan skipped a court hearing citing back pain but later attended a film screening. Earlier, jail authorities spotted him relaxing with co-accused, so they transferred him to another prison. This case raised concerns about judicial fairness and celebrity privilege.
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