- By Swati Singh
- Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:50 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Supreme Court canceled the bail of Kannada actor Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda and five others in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case. The court's decision came after the Karnataka government challenged the bail granted by the Karnataka High Court, citing serious legal infirmities in the order.
Following the court's verdict, Darsham and Pavithra Gowda were taken into custody by the Bengaluru police. Pavithra Gowda was arrested at her residence, while Darshan was also arrested later.
On Thursday, Supreme Court reversed the High Court's decision, stating that no individual is above the law. The bench criticised the High Court order, saying it demonstrated a "mechanical exercise of power" and that granting bail would likely impact the trial and potentially allow witnesses to be influenced.
#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka | The Police arrest actor Pavitra Gowda after the Supreme Court cancelled the bail granted to her by the High Court in the Renukaswamy murder case.
— ANI (@ANI) August 14, 2025
Visuals from outside of Pavithra Gowda's residence. pic.twitter.com/jqf56st025
#WATCH | UPDATE | Actor Darshan also arrested in connection with Renukaswamy murder case: S Girish, DCP Bengaluru South https://t.co/kR9PhVbM5n pic.twitter.com/uBPtC4eME3
— ANI (@ANI) August 14, 2025
Anil Nishani, senior counsel who made submissions on behalf of the prosecution, said, "The Supreme Court objected to the liberal approach taken in granting bail and cancelled it. The Apex Court also stated that it would issue summons in cases of luxury treatment inside prisons. This is a message to the entire nation."
He went on to state, "There has been a notion in society that people with money and influence can walk out of prison within six months. The Supreme Court has sent a strong message that no one is above the law.."
Renukaswamy Murder Case
The case involves the alleged abduction and torture of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan who sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda. Darshan had earlier confessed to torturing Renukaswamy brfore murdering him. According to the 3,991-page chargesheet, Darshan admitted to hitting Renukaswamy with a tree branch and kicking him repeatedly on the head, chest and near the neck. He also revealed that he instructed his fans to kidnap Renukaswamy and "teach him a lesson".
The chargesheet highlights that Pavithra Gowda instigated the other accused, conspired with them and participated in the crime, making her a key figure in the case.