Overview

• A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said it was not convinced by the Karnataka High Court’s exercise of discretion in granting bail to actor Darshan.
• During Thursday’s hearing the bench asked Darshan’s lawyers to present compelling reasons why his bail should not be cancelled under the state government’s special leave petition.
• The appeal targets the December 13, 2024 order that freed Darshan and six co-accused charged with abducting, torturing and killing 33-year-old Renukaswamy in June 2024.
• Justices Pardiwala and Mahadevan probed any prior criminal antecedents and raised concerns about Darshan’s post-bail conduct, including appearing with a key witness at a public event.
• The case has drawn scrutiny over judicial discretion and the influence of celebrity status in high-profile bail decisions.