The Supreme Court on July 17 expressed serious reservations over the Karnataka High Court's decision to grant bail to actor Darshan in the Renukaswamy murder case. During the hearing of a special leave petition filed by the State of Karnataka, a bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan orally stated that it was “not at all convinced” by the High Court’s exercise of discretion in granting bail.

The Court also asked Darshan's legal team to present strong reasons why the apex court should not overturn the High Court’s December 13, 2024, order, which allowed the actor bail. Darshan is accused of the brutal killing of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, reportedly over obscene messages sent to actress Pavithra Gowda. The Supreme Court had issued notice on the matter on January 24.

The state had moved the top court on January 6, 2025, challenging the High Court's December 13, 2024, order that granted bail to Darshan and 16 others. The SC had earlier issued a notice on January 24 but refused to stay the bail.

Darshan, 47, was arrested on June 11, 2024, days after the body of 33-year-old Renukaswamy was found near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru. Police alleged the victim was killed for sending obscene messages to Darshan’s associate, actress Pavithra Gowda.

A chargesheet filed on September 3 named Pavithra as accused No.1 and Darshan as accused No.2, along with 15 others. Darshan was earlier granted interim medical bail on October 30, 2024. All 17 accused are currently out on bail.