On August 14, 2025, the Supreme Court of India cancelled the bail of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa in the Renukaswamy murder case. The bench, led by Justice JB Pardiwala, set aside the Karnataka High Court’s December 2024 order that had granted him and his co-accused bail.
Darshan and others face charges of kidnapping, torturing, and causing the death of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan who allegedly sent obscene messages to actress Pavithra Gowda. The victim was held captive in Bengaluru for three days, tortured, and later found dead in a drain.
The Supreme Court ruled that granting bail in such a serious case risks undue influence by the accused and stressed that no one is above the law. The Court also ordered Darshan’s immediate arrest.
Serious Allegations and Supreme Court’s Stern Observations
The Supreme Court criticised the Karnataka High Court’s bail order as premature and mechanistic, stating that bail decisions in grave offences should be the prerogative of the trial court. The bench observed that the High Court had undertaken a pre-trial examination which was inappropriate and affected the process of judicial scrutiny.
The case involves well-founded allegations supported by forensic evidence, including photographs showing the victim pleading for mercy and reports of torture causing multiple external injuries and serious internal damage. Special public prosecutor P. Prasanna Kumar highlighted the brutal nature of the crime which the Court cited as justification to cancel bail.
The Court further noted that the High Court’s bail decision appeared almost like an acquittal in favor of the accused, undermining the gravity of the charges and the rights of the victim.
Background: The Gruesome Crime and Legal Journey
Renukaswamy was allegedly abducted from Chitradurga in June 2024 after reportedly sending inappropriate messages to actress Pavithra Gowda. The accused confined him for three days in a shed in Bengaluru, where he was tortured using methods including assault and electrocution.
The victim later died from his injuries, and his body was disposed of in a drain. Initially, the Sessions Court denied bail to Darshan and the other accused. However, in December 2024, the Karnataka High Court granted bail, which was met with strong opposition from the State Government.
This led to the Supreme Court issuing notices in January 2025 and ultimately delivering its decisive cancellation of bail in August 2025. The case had drawn extensive media attention in Karnataka and across India due to the involvement of a film star and the alleged brutality of the crimes.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Supreme Court’s firm stance in cancelling the bail of actor Darshan highlights the fundamental principle that the rule of law is supreme, and no individual, irrespective of their fame or status, is exempt from accountability. It is crucial that justice prioritises the protection of victims and the integrity of legal processes over any influence or undue privileges.
At The Logical Indian, we advocate for justice systems that promote peace, empathy, and societal trust, while fostering transparent and fair adjudication of all cases, especially those involving serious crimes.
How can our judiciary further strengthen measures to ensure fair trials without compromising the rights of either the accused or the victims? We encourage readers to reflect on and share their views on maintaining balance and equity in the pursuit of justice in high-profile legal battles.
