Did the SC Just Cancel Darshan's Bail in the Fan Murder Case?

Bengaluru, Aug 14 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has revoked the bail granted to Kannada actor Darshan in the ongoing fan murder investigation and mandated that authorities detain him immediately.

Additionally, the court annulled the bail of Darshan's associate, Pavithra Gowda, along with five others, who will also be apprehended without delay following the ruling.

A bench led by Justices R. Mahadevan and J.B. Pardiwala announced the decision, citing the flaws in the High Court's judgment. The court emphasized the need for a prompt trial of witnesses, underscoring that no individual, regardless of their influence, is above the law.

The bench instructed that copies of the ruling be circulated to all High Courts and state administrations. It remarked that the accused had received preferential treatment in prison, suggesting that the supervising jail official should face suspension.

"Any evidence or images indicating the accused engaged in leisure activities within the prison grounds will lead to disciplinary action against jail authorities, prison officials, and the state administration," the bench cautioned.

Senior Counsel Chidanand, representing the state, declared, "The court has mandated their immediate detention. We will confer with the authorities regarding the next steps to ensure the accused are taken into custody without hesitation."

Regarding the case, he remarked, "In the Renukaswamy murder case, all evidence presented during the investigation against Darshan and his associates was submitted to the Supreme Court. This is a pivotal ruling regarding the principles, regulations, and protocols applicable in grave murder cases."

He noted, "The bench characterized the High Court’s ruling as ‘perverted’, criticizing the way the matter was handled as trivial. The discretion exercised by the High Court bench has faced severe backlash."

The Supreme Court reiterated that everyone is equal before the law, regardless of their status. "The law applies equally to all, whether affluent or impoverished," the bench stated, further warning that any luxurious treatment afforded to the accused in prison would result in stringent measures against the relevant authorities.

Chidanand elaborated, "We presented evidence of Darshan's and others’ behavior while incarcerated, as well as post-release. We provided documentation revealing two cases against him during his imprisonment, showing him consuming coffee, smoking, and using a cell phone. Actions were taken against the involved officers. Based on this, the court has cautioned the government and jail authorities."

"During the arguments and counterarguments, the Supreme Court asserted that it would not replicate the High Court's error. This verdict establishes a landmark precedent for addressing serious crimes. It is undeniably a significant ruling," he concluded.

Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others were apprehended on June 11, 2024, on accusations of kidnapping and brutally murdering Renukaswamy, a fan from Chitradurga.