Darshan Thoogudeepa's lawyer seeks bail citing actor’s spinal ailments; court demands medical records

The Karnataka High Court recently directed the state government to produce the medical records of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa. This request comes in response to a bail petition filed by the actor, who cited spinal ailments as the reason for his release from custody. The actor has been under arrest in connection with the murder of auto driver Renukaswamy, a case that has garnered significant public attention.

Darshan’s counsel argued before the court that the actor has been suffering from serious spine-related health issues, which have deteriorated during his time in custody. His legal team is pushing for bail on these medical grounds, emphasising that he is undergoing treatment within the prison hospital but requires more specialized care.

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The High Court, under the direction of Justice S Vishwajit Shetty, issued an official notice to the Karnataka state government and the public prosecutor to submit the necessary medical records before the next hearing, which is scheduled for October 28, 2024. This move is seen as a procedural step to determine the legitimacy of Darshan’s health claims and assess whether his medical condition warrants the granting of bail.

The court’s decision is significant as it challenges the earlier ruling of a lower court that had denied Darshan bail earlier in the month. The actor was arrested on June 11, just days after Renukaswamy’s death on June 9, 2024. Allegations suggest that Renukaswamy died due to injuries sustained in an attack orchestrated on Darshan’s orders. The motivation behind the attack, as alleged in the case, revolves around derogatory comments made by the victim on social media about Darshan’s partner, Pavithra Gowda. This has added layers of complexity to the legal proceedings, further intensifying public scrutiny of the case.

The next court hearing is expected to focus heavily on the actor’s medical records, which will provide critical evidence regarding his health status. The defense claims that Darshan’s ailments are serious enough to merit release from prison, while the prosecution is likely to counter these arguments by focusing on the gravity of the charges he faces. Until then, Darshan remains in custody at the Ballari Prison, where he has been lodged since his arrest in June.

The actor’s fans, many of whom have remained loyal throughout his legal struggles, have closely followed the developments of the case. The upcoming hearing on October 28 will be crucial, as it could potentially lead to a temporary reprieve for Darshan if the court is convinced by the medical reports and his counsel’s arguments.