In a decisive move underscoring the rule of law, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday cancelled the bail granted to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa (Accused A2), actress Pavithra Gowda (Accused A1), and five others in the high-profile Renukaswamy murder case. The apex court directed their immediate arrest, citing serious legal lapses in the Karnataka High Court’s earlier bail order.
Court’s Observations: “No One Is Above the Law”
A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan declared the High Court’s December 2024 bail order “perverse” and a “mechanical exercise of discretion.” The judges emphasized that the High Court had improperly examined witness statements and forensic evidence at the pre-trial stage—an overreach that undermined judicial process.
“Justice Mahadevan has pronounced a very erudite judgment. It conveys a strong message that however big the accused may be, he or she is not above the law,” said Justice Pardiwala.
No VIP Treatment in Jail
The Court issued a stern warning against any preferential treatment for the accused while in custody. Referring to a leaked photo of Darshan smoking with undertrial prisoners in Bengaluru jail, the bench cautioned:
“The day we come to know that the accused persons are being provided 5-star treatment, the first step would be to place the superintendent into suspension along with all other officials”.
Case Background
Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others are accused of abducting and murdering 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan who allegedly sent obscene messages to Gowda. According to the chargesheet:
- Renukaswamy was kidnapped from Chitradurga in June 2024
- He was confined in a shed in Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru
- Subjected to brutal assault over three days
- His body was later found dumped in a drain
Darshan and Pavithra were arrested on June 11, 2024. The Karnataka government challenged their bail in the Supreme Court, citing risks of witness intimidation and obstruction of justice.
Key Directives from the Supreme Court
- Immediate Arrest of all seven accused
- No Special Treatment in custody
- Expedited Trial proceedings
- Judgment Circulation to all High Courts and State governments
- Observations Confined to Bail and not to influence trial merits
