Top Court Calls Karnataka HC’s Order a “Perverse Exercise of Judicial Power” in High-Profile Murder Trial
The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the Karnataka High Court for granting bail to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, a key accused in the Renukaswamy murder case. This marks the second sharp rebuke in one week from the apex court over the High Court’s handling of the bail order.
🔍 SC Questions High Court’s Judicial Discretion
During Thursday’s hearing, a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan expressed concern over what it described as a “perverse exercise of judicial power” by the Karnataka High Court. The bench observed that the reasoning given for granting bail in a brutal murder case was deeply troubling.
“The manner in which the High Court dictated the order… very sorry to say,” Justice Pardiwala remarked, questioning whether similar leniency is shown in other cases.
⚖️ Key Supreme Court Remarks
- Criticized the High Court for appearing to pass an order resembling an acquittal
- Expressed concern over the HC citing “grounds of arrest not furnished” as justification in a murder case
- Stated that such mistakes might be expected from a trial court judge, but “not a High Court judge”
- Asked why this case was prioritized over others where accused have languished in jail for years
🕵️ Case Background: The Renukaswamy Murder Case
- Victim: 33-year-old Renukaswamy, found dead in a stormwater drain on June 9, 2024
- Accusation: Actor Darshan, along with 13 co-accused, allegedly kidnapped, tortured, and murdered Renukaswamy
- Trigger: The victim had allegedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, Darshan’s close associate
- Primary Accused: Pavithra Gowda, alongside Darshan
- Current Status: All accused are in judicial custody; trial expected to conclude within six months
📸 Controversy Inside Prison
In August 2024, outrage erupted after leaked photos from inside the jail showed Darshan and other accused lounging in lawn chairs, smoking and relaxing in a garden area. Following public backlash, the actor was transferred to another prison facility.
📌 Supreme Court’s Broader Concerns
The top court also raised a broader issue of judicial parity, questioning the special treatment afforded in high-profile cases while ordinary prisoners await trial for years without such urgency.
“Why this case is being fast-tracked while others wait?” asked Justice Pardiwala.
⚖️ What’s Next?
The Supreme Court has made it clear that it will not pass judgment on guilt or innocence but has set a critical tone for how lower courts handle sensitive bail matters—especially in high-profile criminal cases.
🛡️ Disclaimer
This report is based on court proceedings and publicly available information. All accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. This is a developing story and will be updated as new information emerges.
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