Darshan Knocks SC Over Approver Status

Actor Darshan has filed two petitions before the Supreme Court challenging the Karnataka High Court’s order in the Renukaswamy murder case, while his wife Vijayalakshmi has also approached the apex court in connection with the proceedings.

With these, three petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court. Darshan has challenged the High Court’s refusal to entertain his plea objecting to the grant of approver status to co-accused Pradosh Rao. He has questioned the High Court order upholding the decision to grant Pradosh approver status in the case.

In his plea, Darshan has contended that the co-accused's statement need not be heard before a decision is taken on the approver status. He has challenged the procedure adopted in connection with Pradosh being made an approver.

The High Court had earlier upheld the order granting approver status to Pradosh, following which Darshan approached the Supreme Court.

The three petitions are likely to come up for consideration before the Supreme Court this week.

The development comes as the trial court is recording the statement of Pradosh, who has turned approver and is also a prosecution witness in the case. The prosecution has relied on his statement in connection with the alleged events leading to the murder of Renukaswamy.

The statement of accused-turned-approver Pradosh Rao in the Renukaswamy murder case was recorded for nearly three hours before the court on Monday, with the proceedings being held in-camera. The court had adjourned the matter to Tuesday for continued recording of his statement.

Meanwhile, senior advocate Hashmat Pasha, appearing for actor Darshan, has filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court challenging Pradosh being made an approver and seeking a stay on the proceedings concerning his statement.

Pasha said Darshan's legal team had earlier approached the trial court, challenging Pradosh's status as an approver.

"We had approached the trial court challenging Pradosh being made an approver. However, as the trial court did not accept our plea, we have filed an SLP before the Supreme Court," he added.

The Renukaswamy murder case concerns the alleged killing of 35-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of Kannada actor Darshan, in Bengaluru in June 2024.

According to the prosecution, Renukaswamy was allegedly abducted, assaulted and killed, with his body later being found in the Kamakshipalya area.

Actor Darshan and several others were arrested in connection with the case and are facing trial.

The prosecution has alleged that Renukaswamy was targeted after he sent some vulgar messages to Darshan's partner, Pavithra Gowda.