Supreme Court cancels bail of actor Darshan in Renukaswamy murder case

The Supreme Court on Thursday revoked the bail granted to actor Darshan in the Renukaswamy murder case.

A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan overturned the Karnataka High Court’s order, stating it had “various infirmities.”

"We considered everything. The grant of bail as well as cancellation. It is evident that the high court order suffers from serious infirmities, instead it reflects a mechanical exercise and moreover, the high court undertook examination at pre-trial stage," the bench observed.


"The trial court is alone the appropriate forum. The well-founded allegations, coupled with forensic evidence re-enforce the cancellation of bail, The bail grant to the petitioner cancelled," it added.

The ruling came in response to an appeal filed by the Karnataka government challenging the High Court’s December 13, 2024 decision to grant bail to Darshan and his co-accused.

Darshan, actress Pavithra Gowda, and several others are accused of abducting and torturing 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan who allegedly sent obscene messages to Gowda.

According to police, the victim was confined in a shed in Bengaluru for three days in June 2024, subjected to torture, and later found dead in a drain.

On January 24, the Supreme Court had issued notices to Darshan, Gowda, and others based on the state government’s plea.