The Supreme Court has declined to cancel the bail granted to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and others in the Renukaswamy murder case. However, the Court has agreed to examine the Karnataka government’s challenge against the bail and has issued notices to the respondents.
The Karnataka High Court had granted bail to Darshan and others on December 13, 2024. The state government contends that the High Court’s decision may inadvertently benefit other co-accused individuals. Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, representing the state, expressed concerns that the High Court’s order effectively “whitewashed” the case.
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara commented on the development, stating that the police department has fulfilled its responsibilities by submitting all relevant documents and materials to the Supreme Court through their advocate. He emphasized that the government will await the Supreme Court’s verdict before determining future actions.
The Supreme Court has directed the accused to file their responses within four weeks. The bench clarified that while it would not be appropriate to stay the High Court’s order at this stage, any bail applications by co-accused should be decided on their own merits, without relying on the bail granted to Darshan.
The case pertains to the alleged kidnapping and murder of Renukaswamy, a fan of actor Darshan, in June 2024. Investigations have implicated Darshan and several others in the crime.
