Supreme Court Orders Actor Darshan’s Arrest: Cancels Bail, Slams High Court Over ₹100-Crore Murder Case
During the Darshan bail hearing, the Supreme Court set aside an earlier ruling by the Karnataka High Court
In a major setback for popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, the Supreme Court has cancelled his bail in the chilling murder case of Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old fan who was kidnapped, assaulted, and killed allegedly by the actor and his other fans. A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, this morning, set aside an earlier ruling in the case by the Karnataka High Court, and ordered that Darshan be taken into custody.
The top court also criticised the high court for undertaking a pre-trial examination that is the prerogative of trial courts, and said that it suffers from “serious infirmities”.
“We considered the grant of bail as well as cancellation, and it is evident that the high court order reflects a mechanical exercise of power. The grant of bail will impact the trial, and the witnesses can be influenced,” said Justice Mahadevan.
Praising the judge for penning the order, Justice Pardiwala remarked during the hearing, “Justice Mahadevan has pronounced a very erudite judgment. It is ineffable. It conveys a message that, however big the accused may be, he or she is not above the law.”
Justice Mahadevan also reiterated that the high court’s bail decision was a “perverse” exercise of judicial power. Earlier, too, the court had said such a mistake in deciding the bail by a high court judge was “unacceptable”.
A warning against VIP treatment being given to Darshan in custody also followed. The actor had earlier been filmed receiving special treatment at a Bengaluru jail. A photo showed him relaxing on a chair with a cup of coffee, holding a cigarette.
“The day we come to know that the accused persons are being provided five-star treatment, the first step would be to place the superintendent into suspension along with all other officials,” said Justice Pardiwala.
Renukaswamy’s father, Kashinatha Shivanagowdaru, welcomed the Supreme Court order and said it has reinforced his faith in the judiciary.
“When he got bail from the high court, we were stressed, but the government appealed to the Supreme Court, and today that bail has been cancelled. The Supreme Court has sent a strong message that no criminal can escape from the clutches of law,” he said.
Whoever has done wrong should be punished as per the law, added the victim’s wife.
The Renukaswamy murder case last year had sent shockwaves through the Kannada film industry, known as Sandalwood. The 33-year-old was allegedly kidnapped from his hometown in Chitradurga on June 8 last year, on the instructions of Darshan, after he had made lewd comments on co-star Pavithra Gowda. His kidnappers took him to a shed in Bengaluru, where he was tied up and beaten with wooden clubs. He was given electric shocks as well.
After he died, his body was dumped in the drain at midnight. It was discovered on June 9. The accused had discarded his mobile, but the investigation somehow led the cops to the crime spot, where they found bloodstains. Renukaswamy’s autopsy report later said he died of a “shock haemorrhage” due to multiple blunt injuries.
Darshan, Ms Gowda, and 15 others were initially arrested in the case. The actor was granted bail by the Karnataka High Court last December. In April, the actor faced public fury after he was seen at a movie screening, hours after he skipped a court appearance, citing back pain.
In a dramatic legal development, the Supreme Court of India has ordered that Kannada film star Darshan Thoogudeepa be taken back into custody, cancelling his bail and sharply criticising the High Court for what it called a “serious error in judgment.” The order comes in connection with a ₹100-crore high-profile murder case that has shaken Karnataka’s film industry and political circles.
A bench of Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Sandeep Mehta delivered the ruling, stating that the Karnataka High Court had failed to consider “critical evidentiary aspects” before granting bail to the actor.
The apex court emphasised that granting bail in a case involving “grave criminal charges backed by substantial evidence” undermines public trust in the justice system.
Quoting from the judgment, Justice Gavai remarked:
“The High Court’s order reflects a mechanical approach to bail. In such sensitive matters, liberty of the accused must be balanced against the interests of justice and societal trust.”
Darshan Thoogudeepa, one of the biggest names in the Kannada film industry, was arrested earlier this year in connection with the alleged murder of Renuka Swamy, a 33-year-old man from Chitradurga. Investigators allege that Swamy was targeted after making objectionable remarks on social media about a female associate of the actor.
According to the prosecution, Darshan and several associates conspired to abduct Swamy, leading to his death in Bengaluru. Police claim to have forensic evidence, CCTV footage, and witness testimonies linking Darshan to the crime. The case has been widely covered due to Darshan’s celebrity status and the alleged involvement of influential individuals.
The Karnataka High Court had granted Darshan bail in July, citing “lack of direct evidence” and “cooperation with the investigation.” However, the victim’s family, along with the state prosecution, challenged this decision before the Supreme Court, arguing that the bail order ignored key witness statements and material evidence.
The apex court agreed, noting that certain witness accounts directly placed Darshan at the crime scene and that digital evidence retrieved from mobile devices had not been adequately assessed by the High Court.
The cancellation of Darshan’s bail has sparked intense reactions across Karnataka. Fans gathered outside the actor’s residence and various court premises, while on social media, opinions were deeply divided.
Film industry insiders expressed shock but stressed the need to let the law take its course. A prominent Kannada producer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“This is a sad day for the industry, but justice must prevail. No star should be above the law.”
With the Supreme Court’s directive, Darshan is expected to be taken back into judicial custody immediately. The trial court proceedings are likely to accelerate, given the apex court’s remarks on the seriousness of the charges.
Legal experts believe this ruling sends a strong message about judicial responsibility in granting bail in high-profile criminal cases. It also underscores the Supreme Court’s readiness to intervene when lower courts’ decisions appear to undermine the integrity of justice.
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