The Karnataka High Court on Thursday, 14 August 2025, dismissed jailed actor Darshan's appeal challenging an order of the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court (CCH), ruling that he and the other accused have no legal right to object to co-accused Pradosh being considered as an approver in the Renukaswamy murder case. The ruling effectively clears a procedural hurdle in one of Karnataka's most high-profile criminal trials.

What the High Court Ruled

A bench headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna declined to interfere with the lower court's order, invoking principles established in the Vinay Kulkarni case — a precedent that the Supreme Court has already upheld. The High Court held that a co-accused does not possess the right to oppose another accused's application to turn approver. Any challenge to procedural lapses, the court observed, can only be raised after the approver status is formally granted.

What Darshan's Defence Argued

Senior advocate Hashmat Pasha, appearing for Darshan, contended that the defence had not even been furnished a copy of Pradosh's application seeking approver status. 'We are only seeking an opportunity to raise objections regarding procedural lapses. We were not allowed to do even that,' Pasha argued before the bench. The High Court, however, was not persuaded and dismissed the plea.

Pradosh's Approver Bid and the Trial Status

Pradosh, listed as accused No. 14 in the case, has submitted a formal application to turn approver and record his statement against the other accused — including Darshan, who is also among the accused. Pradosh was reportedly close to the actor. The trial court had earlier directed that Pradosh's statement should not be recorded for a week, placing a hold until 18 August, also subject to the High Court's order. Pradosh's lawyer separately informed the trial court that his client was facing a threat to his life inside prison and sought dedicated security for him.

Political Undercurrents and Witness Threats

The case has acquired broader dimensions in recent weeks. Darshan's supporters reportedly interrupted Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's speech at a public event, demanding the actor's release. Shivakumar acknowledged their sentiments but stated he could not comment on a sub-judice matter. Shortly after that episode, Pradosh filed his approver petition before the court.

Separately, police investigating an alleged kidnapping and life threats issued to Sandeep — a witness in the Renukaswamy murder case — have reportedly traced two industrialists who allegedly played a key role in intimidating him, according to reports.

What Happens Next

With the High Court declining to interfere, the trial court's proceedings on Pradosh's approver application are expected to resume after 18 August. If Pradosh is granted approver status, his testimony could become a critical piece of evidence in the trial. The case continues to draw intense public and political scrutiny across Karnataka.