Darshan Bail: Supreme Court on High Court Judge’s Mistake
Supreme Court Questions High court’s Bail Order in Renukaswamy Murder Case
Table of Contents
SC Slams “Acquittal-like” Reasoning in Actor Darshan’s Bail Grant
The Supreme Court has expressed strong reservations about the Karnataka High Court’s decision to grant bail to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and other accused in the sensational Renukaswamy murder case. The apex court, while hearing the state government’s plea challenging the High Court’s December 13, 2024 order, remarked that the High Court’s reasoning appeared to dictate an acquittal for all seven accused.
“Dictated an Order of Acquittal”: SC’s Sharp Criticism
A bench of the Supreme Court, while hearing the state government’s appeal, didn’t mince words in its criticism of the High Court’s approach. “In a lighter vein, don’t you think the High Court has basically dictated an order of acquittal of all seven? There are ways and ways of assigning reasons,” the court observed.
The apex court specifically took issue with the high Court’s reasoning, notably its statement that grounds of arrest were not assigned in the murder (Section 302) matter. ”What is troubling us is the approach of the High Court! Look at the manner in which bail submission is [dealt] and in the last, and says he says grounds of arrest not assigned in 302 matter?! That is the understanding of the learned judge? And that too from the High Court? we can understand a session judge committing such mistakes. A high Court judge committing such a mistake?” the court questioned, as reported by Live Law.
The Supreme Court has directed the parties to file their written submissions within a week.
The Renukaswamy Murder Case: A Grim Timeline
The case involves the alleged abduction and brutal torture of 33-year-old Renukaswamy,a fan,who is accused of sending “obscene messages” to actress Pavithra Gowda,a co-accused. Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa,Pavithra Gowda,and several others are facing charges in connection with the incident. The prosecution alleges that Renukaswamy was held captive for three days and subjected to severe torture, with his body later discovered in a drain.
The Supreme Court had previously issued notices to Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and the other accused on January 24, following the state government’s plea against the High Court’s bail order. The state government’s challenge highlights concerns about the High Court’s assessment of the evidence and the legal grounds for granting bail in such a serious case.