Darshan approaches SC for bail in Renukaswamy murder case, cites evidence delay
Synopsis
Kannada superstar Darshan, jailed since August 2024 after the Supreme Court cancelled his High Court bail, has now knocked on the apex court's door directly — arguing that a trial likely to stretch beyond a year justifies his release. The move sets up a high-stakes hearing in a case that shocked Karnataka with its brutality and its glimpse into celebrity impunity.
Key Takeaways
Darshan filed a fresh bail petition before the Supreme Court on 14 April 2025 , citing delays in evidence examination.
The trial is expected to take more than a year to conclude, according to the petition.
The Supreme Court had earlier cancelled bail granted to Darshan by the Karnataka High Court ; he was re-arrested on 14 August 2024 .
Renukaswamy was kidnapped from Chitradurga , tortured, and murdered on 8 June 2024 ; his body was dumped in a canal in Bengaluru .
Darshan , Pavithra Gowda , and 15 others were arrested on 11 June 2024 ; Darshan faces three FIRs .
The matter is likely to come up for hearing before the Supreme Court next week.
Jailed Kannada actor Darshan, the accused number 2 in the murder case of his fan Renukaswamy, has filed a fresh bail petition before the Supreme Court, citing delays in the examination of evidence. The petition was submitted on 14 April, and the matter is expected to come up for hearing before the apex court next week.
What the Petition Argues
Darshan's petition contends that the trial has been significantly delayed and may take more than a year to conclude. He has stated that the Supreme Court had earlier directed the trial court to expedite proceedings, but those directions have not produced the desired pace. The petition also highlights that Darshan has cooperated with both the investigation and trial proceedings throughout.
Notably, this time Darshan has approached the Supreme Court directly, since the apex court had previously cancelled the bail that was granted to him by the Karnataka High Court. Following that cancellation, he was re-arrested on 14 August last year and is currently lodged at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru.
Background: The Renukaswamy Murder Case
The gruesome murder of Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, took place on 8 June 2024 in Bengaluru. According to police, Renukaswamy was kidnapped from his hometown Chitradurga, brought to Bengaluru, held in a shed, and tortured to death. His body was subsequently thrown into a canal, and the incident came to light after security personnel of a private apartment complex spotted the body being dragged by a pack of dogs.
The 3,991-page chargesheet filed by Bengaluru Police revealed that Renukaswamy had allegedly sent messages to Darshan's girlfriend Pavithra Gowda, reportedly asking her for a secret live-in relationship. Police sources stated that the investigation found that Darshan repeatedly kicked Renukaswamy in the chest, resulting in broken chest bones, before picking him up and flinging him into a truck, causing severe head injuries. Renukaswamy was then kicked in his private parts after Darshan was shown a photograph the victim had sent to Pavithra Gowda, causing the victim to lose consciousness.
Arrests and Prison Transfer
Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others were arrested on 11 June 2024 on charges of kidnapping and brutally murdering Renukaswamy. Darshan was subsequently transferred to Ballari Prison after photographs depicting alleged preferential treatment at Bengaluru Central Prison surfaced publicly, triggering a controversy. He is currently facing three FIRs in connection with the case and remains lodged at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.
What Happens Next
The Supreme Court is expected to take up Darshan's fresh bail petition next week. Given that the apex court had itself cancelled his earlier bail, the bench's stance on the delay argument will be closely watched. Legal observers note that prolonged trials have increasingly become grounds for bail in Indian courts, though the gravity of the charges and the court's prior intervention in this case could weigh against relief.
Point of View
His legal team has nowhere else to go but back to the same bench that locked him in. The delay argument is a legitimate one in Indian criminal jurisprudence, but it cuts both ways: the Supreme Court's own earlier intervention signals it views this case as exceptional. What the hearing will really test is whether the court's concern about trial pace outweighs its concern about the gravity of allegations — and the optics of releasing a celebrity accused in a case that exposed serious lapses in prison administration.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Darshan approached the Supreme Court for bail?
Darshan has filed a fresh bail petition before the Supreme Court citing significant delays in the examination of evidence, arguing that the trial may take more than a year to conclude. He also contends that he has cooperated fully with investigation and trial proceedings.
Why was Darshan's earlier bail cancelled?
The Supreme Court cancelled the bail that the Karnataka High Court had granted to Darshan. Following the apex court's order, he was re-arrested on 14 August 2024 and has remained in custody since.
What happened in the Renukaswamy murder case?
Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, was kidnapped from Chitradurga, brought to Bengaluru, tortured, and killed on 8 June 2024. His body was thrown into a canal and discovered after being spotted by security personnel. Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others were arrested on 11 June 2024.
Where is Darshan currently lodged?
Darshan is currently lodged at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru. He was earlier transferred to Ballari Prison after photos of alleged preferential treatment at Bengaluru Central Prison became public.
When is the Supreme Court expected to hear Darshan's bail petition?
The matter is expected to come up for hearing before the Supreme Court next week, according to reports filed on 29 April 2025.
