Jailed Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa has approached the Karnataka High Court after a Bengaluru trial court refused to allow him to appear physically during the proceedings in the murder case involving his fan Renukaswamy. The actor has asked the High Court to direct the authorities to produce him in person while witnesses give evidence before the court.
Darshan Seeks Physical Presence During Witness Testimony
Darshan filed a writ petition before the Karnataka High Court challenging the decision of the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court (CCH) in Bengaluru. The matter is expected to be taken up by a High Court Bench within the next couple of days.
The trial court had previously rejected Darshan’s request for physical production during the proceedings. It cited security concerns, pointing out that bringing the actor to court would require a sizeable police deployment and could result in overcrowding on the premises.
The court also observed that similar situations had taken place in the past and that such arrangements could interfere with the court’s regular administrative functioning.
So far, 23 witnesses have recorded their statements in the trial.
Actor Cites Video-Conferencing Problems
In his petition, Darshan has argued that he is entitled to hear and observe witnesses as they give their evidence. He has also maintained that witnesses should record their statements in the presence of the accused.
The actor has raised concerns over the video-conferencing system currently being used for the proceedings. According to his petition, the equipment at Bengaluru Central Prison and the court has not been upgraded regularly, resulting in technical difficulties during virtual hearings.
Darshan has claimed that these problems have made it difficult for him to properly hear witness statements and communicate with his legal team. He has also said the glitches have prevented him from giving timely instructions to his advocates or raising objections during witness examination.
He has therefore sought directions to the jail authorities to make the necessary arrangements for his physical presence in court when witnesses record their statements.
What Is The Renukaswamy Murder Case?
Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda and 15 other accused are facing trial over the alleged abduction, torture and murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy in June 2024.
Renukaswamy, a fan from Chitradurga, was allegedly targeted after sending obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda. According to the case, he was abducted and taken to a shed in Bengaluru, where he was allegedly tortured before his body was dumped near a stormwater drain.
The Bengaluru trial court has also granted conditional pardon to accused Pradosh after he offered to turn approver and provide details relating to the alleged crime and disposal of evidence.
Darshan has separately moved the Karnataka High Court against the trial court’s decision allowing Pradosh to become an approver.
Pavithra Gowda has also recently approached the Bengaluru court seeking a change of prison barrack, citing health concerns and allergies.
Supreme Court Had Cancelled Darshan’s Bail
The Supreme Court had earlier cancelled Darshan’s bail and ordered his re-arrest, directing that he be held without VIP privileges as the trial continues in Bengaluru.
The latest petition puts Darshan’s physical presence during witness testimony before the Karnataka High Court as the next legal issue in the closely watched case.
(With inputs from IANS)