No One is Above the Law; Supreme Court Cancels Actor Darshan’s Bail

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has cancelled the bail granted by the Karnataka High Court to Kannada superstar Darshan Thoogudeepa in the Renuka Swamy murder case. A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan overturned the earlier High Court order, also revoking the bail of four other accused. The court was acting on a petition filed by the state government against the bail. Justice Mahadevan noted that granting bail could affect the trial and potentially influence witnesses. Justice Pardiwala added that the verdict sends a strong message that no matter how influential a person is, they are not above the law. The case alleges that Renuka Swamy, a resident of Chitradurga and a fan of Darshan, was assaulted to death and his body dumped under a bridge near Kamakshipalya. It is alleged the killing was triggered after Swamy sent obscene messages to actress Pavithra Gowda, a close associate of Darshan.