New Delhi, Aug 14 (PTI) — In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court on Thursday revoked the bail granted to actor Darshan and other defendants involved in the Renukaswamy murder case, emphasizing the principle that all individuals, regardless of their fame, are subject to the law.
The bench, comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, annulled the Karnataka High Court's decision, citing various deficiencies in the court's order.
The Supreme Court instructed that Darshan and the other accused be taken into custody immediately and expedited the trial proceedings.
"We evaluated all aspects concerning both the awarding and revoking of bail. The high court's order clearly contains significant errors and seems to represent a mere procedural formality. The court conducted an examination prematurely, at the pre-trial stage," stated Justice Mahadevan.
"The trial court is the appropriate venue for resolution. The serious allegations, along with the forensic evidence, further justify the bail cancellation. Bail to the petitioner is hereby revoked," the bench declared.
Justice Pardiwala pronounced his opinion, underscoring that the verdict sends a strong message that no accused, regardless of status, is beyond legal accountability.
"The judgement underscores that our justice system at every level must ensure the supremacy of law. No individual is either above or beneath the law. Compliance with law does not require anyone’s permission. It remains imperative to uphold rule of law perpetually," Justice Pardiwala emphasized.
The Supreme Court also warned the state government against lavish treatment of the accused while incarcerated.
"Should we learn that the accused are receiving luxurious amenities, immediate action will be taken to suspend the jail superintendent and other involved officials," the court cautioned.
The ruling addressed an appeal by the Karnataka government challenging the state high court's decision on December 13, 2024, which granted bail to Darshan and his co-accused.
Darshan, alongside actress Pavithra Gowda and several others, faces allegations surrounding the abduction and torture of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan accused of sending offensive messages to Pavithra.
According to police reports, Renukaswamy was held captive in a Bengaluru shed for three days in June 2024, tortured, and his body was subsequently discovered in a drainage area.
The Supreme Court had previously issued notices to the actor, Gowda, and others on January 24 in relation to the state government’s plea.
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