The Supreme Court on Monday directed the State of Karnataka to clarify whether Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa is being provided basic amenities in jail, after his lawyer alleged that he is being denied even minimum facilities available to undertrial prisoners. [Darshan v. State of Karnataka]
A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and Vijay Bishnoi issued notice and sought a report from the State on the issue.
“We would also like to know from the State whether the basic amenities which an undertrial prisoner is entitled to is being provided to the petitioner or not.”
The direction came after Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Darshan, submitted that following earlier observations against “VIP treatment” in jail, the actor was now being denied even ordinary facilities.
It was argued that Darshan had been placed in a quarantine cell without basic amenities such as lighting and was not being allowed access to food that could otherwise be purchased by inmates. Rohatgi also submitted that the accused has spent nearly a year in custody.
The Court also sought a status report from the trial court on the progress of proceedings in the Renukaswamy murder case.
“We would like to know from the trial court how many witnesses have been examined so far…and how many witnesses the State proposes to examine.”
The Bench further asked the trial court to indicate the likely timeline for completion of trial.
During the hearing, it was submitted that fewer than 10 witnesses have been examined so far out of around 260 witnesses cited by the prosecution.
The Registry was directed to call for a report from the Additional City Civil and Sessions Court, Bengaluru, where the case is pending.
The Court directed that reports from both the State and the trial court be furnished within one week.
The case relates to the murder of 33-year-old medical shop employee Renukaswamy, whose body was found on June 9, 2024.
The prosecution alleges that the victim was abducted and assaulted at the instance of Darshan after he posted derogatory comments about Pavithra Gowda on social media. Darshan was arrested on June 11, 2024.
The Karnataka High Court had initially granted him interim bail on medical grounds on October 30, 2024, before granting regular bail to him and other accused on December 13, 2024. This order was later set aside by the Supreme Court.
The apex court held that the grant of bail could impact the trial. It had also issued a strong warning against extending preferential or “VIP” treatment to the accused in custody.
“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.”
The Court had further noted material indicating misuse of influence even while in custody.
The plea was filed through Advocate Ranjeeta Rohatgi.