The Karnataka High Court on Thursday rejected a petition by actor Darshan challenging a trial court decision that barred him from opposing a co-accused’s attempt to turn approver in the Renukaswamy murder case.
Justice M Nagaprasanna affirmed that an accused person has no legal standing to file objections or make submissions when a court considers a co-accused’s application for pardon under Section 306 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973.
Challenge to Lower Court Decision
Darshan, who is named as the second accused in the murder case and remains in judicial custody, had filed the criminal petition to set aside an August 10 order issued by the 58th Additional City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru. The sessions court had denied Darshan permission to object to a plea by Pradosh Rao, the 14th accused, who applied to turn approver and receive a pardon in exchange for testimony.
Senior advocate Hasmath Pasha argued the matter on behalf of Darshan, while Special Public Prosecutor P Prasanna Kumar represented the state.
Precedent Cited by Prosecution
In opposing the petition, the prosecution drew attention to prior High Court rulings regarding the limited rights of co-accused individuals under Section 306 of the CrPC. The prosecutor noted that the Supreme Court had previously dismissed a challenge to a similar order in the Yogeshgouda murder case involving legislator Vinay Kulkarni.
Justice Nagaprasanna concluded that the legal framework and precedent established in the Yogeshgouda case directly applied to Darshan’s petition, warranting its dismissal.
Broader Context of the Investigation
Darshan and his associate, actress Pavithra Gowda, are among 17 individuals implicated in the murder of Renukaswamy. The actor remains detained in jail as judicial proceedings move forward.
