Why Did the Karnataka HC Limit Home Food for Jailed Star Darshan's Partner Pavithra Gowda?
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Bengaluru, Jan 20 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court issued a ruling on Tuesday, restricting the home food provision that was initially granted by a lower court to Pavithra Gowda, the partner of incarcerated Kannada film icon Darshan, along with other co-defendants.
Additionally, the home food privilege has also been revoked for the other accused individuals, Laxman and Nagaraj.
The decision was made by a bench led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna.
Pavithra Gowda is currently detained at the Bengaluru Central Prison.
Previously, a lower court had authorized Pavithra Gowda and the other accused to receive home-cooked meals once a week.
The prosecution contested this ruling by submitting a writ petition that questioned the special treatment provided to Gowda and her co-defendants.
While delivering its ruling, the High Court referenced directives from the Supreme Court on this issue.
The apex court has cautioned against the provision of special facilities to incarcerated individuals.
Stressing the principle of equality before the law, the bench stated that the law is applicable to everyone, regardless of their social standing.
Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, was allegedly kidnapped and murdered on June 11, 2024.
The famed actor Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda, and 15 other individuals have been apprehended in connection with this case.
Authorities assert that Renukaswamy had sent offensive and derogatory messages to Pavithra Gowda, upset about Darshan's relationship with her while being married.
Darshan was earlier transferred to the Ballari prison after images surfaced suggesting he was receiving 'royal treatment' while in Bengaluru Central Prison.
Currently, he faces three FIRs pertaining to the case.
On September 4, 2024, police submitted a comprehensive 3,991-page charge sheet along with an additional document to the court.
After spending 131 days in custody, Darshan was granted bail on October 30, 2024.
However, following an appeal by the Karnataka Police, the Supreme Court revoked the bail, resulting in the re-arrest of Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and the other accused.
A local court in Karnataka has since framed charges against Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and the 15 co-defendants in this high-profile case, all of whom have denied the allegations.
Darshan faces charges under various sections of the IPC, including 302 for murder, 355 for causing grievous harm, 120B for criminal conspiracy, 204 for evidence destruction, and 359 for kidnapping, as well as charges under Sections 143, 147, 148, and 149 related to unlawful assembly.