Darshan murder case: Supreme Court slams bail Granted to actor calling it 'perverse, unacceptable, troubling'

Dubai: The Supreme Court has strongly criticised the Karnataka High Court’s decision to grant bail to actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, calling it a “perverse exercise of judicial power,” in connection with the brutal murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy in June 2024.

This is the second time in a week the apex court has rebuked the High Court for what it described as a flawed and troubling bail order.

According to a report on NDTV, the bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan questioned the reasoning behind the High Court’s December 2024 order, particularly its claim that the “grounds of arrest were not furnished” in a murder case. “Very sorry to say... what is troubling is the reasoning given,” the bench observed, warning against judicial overreach.

The court also questioned the urgency of conducting a daily trial for Darshan while many other undertrials remain in prison without similar fast-tracking.

Darshan, along with 13 others, has been charged in the alleged abduction, torture, and murder of Renukaswamy, who had reportedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, a friend of the actor. The victim’s body was discovered in a stormwater drain in Bengaluru on June 9.

Investigating officers claim Darshan paid Rs50 lakh to those involved in the crime. This included Rs30 lakh to a man named Pradosh (alias Pawan) to plan and execute the murder and dispose of the body, and Rs 5 lakh each to two others for their roles in the killing. Authorities also allege that Rs 5 lakh was promised to the families of two men who falsely confessed to the crime to protect Darshan and Gowda.

Public outrage escalated earlier this year after Darshan skipped a court hearing citing back pain, only to be seen hours later at a film screening. He had also faced criticism last year when photos surfaced of him lounging with other accused in jail, prompting his transfer to another facility.

The Supreme Court has made it clear that it is watching the case closely and has raised serious concerns over how the High Court exercised its discretion in granting bail.