Supreme Court Criticises Karnataka HC Over Bail to Actor Darshan: Calls It “Perverse Use of Discretion

By Bangalore Mail Staff Reporter

New Delhi – The Supreme Court has sharply rebuked the Karnataka High Court’s decision to grant bail to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is the prime accused in the high-profile murder of his fan, Renukaswamy.

Describing the bail order as a “perverse exercise of judicial discretion,” the apex court expressed serious reservations about the manner in which the case has been handled so far.

A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan heard extensive arguments from all sides before reserving its verdict. The court has granted one week to the legal counsels representing some of the accused to submit their written submissions.

The proceedings stem from a petition filed by the Karnataka government, challenging a December 13, 2024, order by the High Court that allowed Darshan and several co-accused individuals to be released on bail.

Among those accused is actress Pavithra Gowda, who, along with Darshan and others, is alleged to have been involved in the kidnapping and torture of 33-year-old Renukaswamy.

According to police reports, the victim had sent explicit messages to Pavithra Gowda, which allegedly led to the assault. He was reportedly held in a shed in Bengaluru for three days in June 2024, where he was subjected to torture. His body was later discovered in a drain.

The case has generated intense public scrutiny and continues to dominate headlines across Karnataka.