Did the Trial Court Deny Bail for Darshan's Partner Pavithra Gowda?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pavithra Gowda's bail plea was rejected by the court.
- The case revolves around the Renukaswamy murder allegations.
- The Supreme Court intervened to annul a previous bail decision.
- Legal proceedings are ongoing for other accused.
- The implications extend beyond the individuals involved, impacting public perception.
Bengaluru, Sep 2 (NationPress) The 57th Sessions Court in Bengaluru rejected the bail application of Pavithra Gowda, the partner of actor Darshan and the main suspect in the Renukaswamy murder case, on Tuesday.
Gowda's legal representative argued for bail on technical grounds, claiming the chargesheet was filed under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) instead of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). They contended that as the BNS and BNSS were introduced in June of the previous year, the chargesheet was therefore invalid and sought bail for Gowda.
The prosecution countered, asserting that cases preceding the BNS and BNSS's implementation would still be managed under the IPC and CrPC, arguing that there was an attempt to mislead the court.
The prosecution also referenced Supreme Court observations regarding Gowda and other suspects, highlighting that their bail requests had already been turned down.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the arguments put forth for Gowda, the trial court dismissed her bail petition.
Additionally, the court is set to consider a request from prison officials to transfer actor Darshan from Bengaluru Central Jail to Ballari Prison.
Alongside Darshan, the officials have also sought to relocate other accused individuals - Jagadish, Laxman, Nagaraj, and Pradosh - to various prisons across the state.
Darshan's legal team has filed a separate petition requesting that prison authorities supply him with two bedsheets and two pillows due to complaints of back pain.
Previously, the Supreme Court annulled the bail granted by the Karnataka High Court, with the Supreme Court asserting that the High Court's decision resembled a ruling on conviction or acquittal.
The Supreme Court raised concerns regarding whether such orders are common in other cases and indicated they would not “repeat such a mistake.”
They also mentioned a prima facie misuse of judicial authority, stating that while lower court errors might be excused, such mistakes from a High Court judge are unacceptable.
On June 9, 2024, Renukaswamy, aged 33, was discovered dead on a flyover in Bengaluru. A devoted fan of Darshan, it is alleged that Renukaswamy was kidnapped and murdered at Darshan's instigation.
Reports suggest that Renukaswamy was killed due to claims of “harassment” towards Darshan’s female friend, Gowda.
On August 6, both Darshan and Pavithra Gowda appealed to the Supreme Court to prevent the cancellation of their bail, submitting written justifications for their request.
In his statement via counsel, Darshan insisted that no evidence connects him to the crime, while Gowda asserted her role as a single parent to a Class 10 student and caregiver for her elderly parents.