SC says actor Darshan can seek fresh bail if trial sees no progress

The Supreme Court on Friday (May 15) directed the State of Karnataka to ensure that 60 key witnesses are examined within one year in the Renukaswamy murder case involving actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, while observing that the progress of the trial so far had been unsatisfactory. The Court further stated that if there is no substantial progress in the proceedings during this period, Darshan would be at liberty to move a fresh application seeking bail.

Trial progress under scrutiny

A Bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Vijay Bishnoi passed the direction while hearing Darshan’s plea relating to prison conditions and the facilities being extended to him under the jail manual.

Also Read: 'Not at all convinced': SC questions Darshan's bail in Renukaswamy murder case

Darshan’s earlier bail had been cancelled last year along with other co-accused persons. The Court had earlier sought status reports from both the State government and the trial court on the progress of the proceedings.

Defence raises delay, confinement issues

Appearing for Darshan, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi submitted that although the prosecution had cited 272 witnesses in the chargesheet, only 10 witnesses had been examined in the seven months following the framing of charges.

Also Read: SC cancels bail granted to actor Darshan in Renukaswamy murder case

He also raised concerns over the actor’s confinement, stating that he was being kept in what was described as a quarantine cell and was not being allowed normal interaction with other inmates. Seeking relief, Rohatgi submitted, “I submit if there is no progress for the three to four months, [then bail may be considered],” reported Live Law.

Bench flags pace of proceedings

Justice Pardiwala, however, said the stage was premature for considering bail. “We will watch for some more time but we will take care of a few things. We will see to it that the trial progresses expeditiously...” he observed.

Reviewing the trial court’s report, the Bench noted, “We are of the view that the progress so far, as a trial is concerned, is very slow.” It further stated, “If the trial is proceeding at this pace, it is going to take a long time even before 60 witnesses are examined.”

When informed about the witness list, Justice Pardiwala remarked, “Don't just keep multiplying the witnesses.”