The Supreme Court has overturned the Karnataka High Court’s decision to grant bail to several accused, including actor Darshan, in a brutal murder case. The case relates to the abduction and killing of Renukaswamy in June 2024, allegedly involving a conspiracy, torture, and disposal of the body near Bengaluru.
The High Court had earlier granted bail, citing procedural lapses like delay in providing written arrest grounds. However, the Supreme Court held that such lapses, without proof of prejudice, cannot justify bail in a murder case with strong prima facie evidence. The Court found that the High Court made impermissible merit-based findings at the bail stage, disregarded forensic, eyewitness, and digital evidence, and overlooked the gravity of the offence.
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Highlighting that liberty is not absolute, the Supreme Court emphasised the need to balance individual rights with societal interest, especially in heinous crimes. It noted that the High Court’s “callous” approach risked witness intimidation and trial delay, and had already led to some accused absconding.
"The High Court dealt with all the bail applications in a very callous manner... paving the way for many accused to abscond and jeopardising the trial." – Supreme Court
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The apex court ordered all accused to surrender before the trial court, reaffirming that bail decisions must be made judiciously, considering the seriousness of the offence and the weight of evidence.
Case Title: State of Karnataka vs. Sri Darshan & Others
Case Numbers: Criminal Appeal Nos. 3528–3534 of 2025 (arising out of SLP (Crl.) Nos. 516–522 of 2025)
Date of Judgment: 2025 (Reported as 2025 INSC 979)
Appellant: State of Karnataka
Respondents: Sri Darshan (Actor) & Others
