With Pillow And Bedsheet Cleared, Actor Darshan Asks Court For TV In Jail | Entertainment News

Last Updated:December 04, 2025, 11:22 IST

The accused said prolonged incarceration was affecting their mental well-being and that access to a television would help them cope with jail life.

Responding to the submission, the judge said instructions would be issued to the Jail Superintendent, after which a decision would be taken.

The latest hearing in the Renukaswamy murder case was held in Bengaluru yesterday (Dec 3), where actor Darshan, co-accused Pavithra Gowda, and others appeared before the court through video conference. The proceedings saw multiple developments, including fresh summons issued to witnesses, requests from the accused related to jail facilities, and the adjournment of the case to a later date.

Accused Seek Television Inside Jail

During the hearing, all accused persons jointly placed a request seeking permission to have a television installed inside the jail. According to submissions made before the court, the accused said prolonged incarceration was affecting their mental well-being and that access to a television would help them cope with jail life.

Darshan, who has remained lodged in judicial custody, also voiced the request along with the other accused. Responding to the submission, the judge said instructions would be issued to the Jail Superintendent, after which a decision would be taken. The court did not immediately grant approval, making it clear that such matters would follow jail rules and administrative discretion.

This is not the first time Darshan has raised concerns related to conditions inside the jail. Earlier, the actor had sought permission for basic comforts such as a bedsheet, pillow, and regular walking time, which were allowed. However, a separate plea requesting home-cooked food had already been rejected by the court.

Victim’s Parents and Other Witnesses Summoned

A significant development during the hearing was the issuance of summons to key witnesses connected to the case. The court directed Renukaswamy’s parents to appear as witnesses in the ongoing inquiry. Along with them, the watchman who initially lodged the complaint in the case was also summoned.

In total, summons were issued to three individuals, including Renukaswamy’s father, mother, and the complainant watchman. The court also issued summons to witnesses numbered 7 and 8 in the charge sheet, with the defence requesting that witness examination proceed strictly as per the listed sequence.

Silence From the Main Accused

Throughout the hearing, Darshan remained largely silent. Observers in court noted that he stood with folded hands while listening to arguments through the video conference, without making any detailed submissions of his own. The court recorded his presence and proceeded with the arguments presented by legal counsel representing the accused.

The court also disposed of pleas seeking jail transfers by two of the accused. Accused Jagadish filed an application requesting transfer to Chitradurga jail, citing personal reasons. The judge rejected this plea, stating that the request could not be considered at this stage of the proceedings.

Similarly, another accused, Anukumar, sought a transfer to Chitradurga jail, citing his mother’s ill health. While acknowledging the submission, the court ruled that transfers could not be permitted until key eyewitnesses in the case were examined. The judge clarified that the stability of custody arrangements was essential during the witness examination phase.

After hearing all submissions, the court formally adjourned the case to December 17. On the next date, the testimony of summoned witnesses, including Renukaswamy’s parents, is expected to play a crucial role in the progress of the trial.

Case Remains Under Close Watch

The Renukaswamy case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of a prominent film actor and the serious nature of the charges. With witness examinations set to begin and custody-related pleas continuing to be raised, the upcoming hearings are expected to be legally significant.

For now, the court has maintained focus on procedural discipline, prioritising witness testimony over custodial comfort requests, while keeping all administrative decisions in line with prison regulations and legal process.

Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google.

During the hearing, all accused persons jointly placed a request seeking permission to have a television installed inside the jail. According to submissions made before the court, the accused said prolonged incarceration was affecting their mental well-being and that access to a television would help them cope with jail life.

Darshan, who has remained lodged in judicial custody, also voiced the request along with the other accused. Responding to the submission, the judge said instructions would be issued to the Jail Superintendent, after which a decision would be taken. The court did not immediately grant approval, making it clear that such matters would follow jail rules and administrative discretion.

This is not the first time Darshan has raised concerns related to conditions inside the jail. Earlier, the actor had sought permission for basic comforts such as a bedsheet, pillow, and regular walking time, which were allowed. However, a separate plea requesting home-cooked food had already been rejected by the court.

Victim’s Parents and Other Witnesses Summoned

A significant development during the hearing was the issuance of summons to key witnesses connected to the case. The court directed Renukaswamy’s parents to appear as witnesses in the ongoing inquiry. Along with them, the watchman who initially lodged the complaint in the case was also summoned.

In total, summons were issued to three individuals, including Renukaswamy’s father, mother, and the complainant watchman. The court also issued summons to witnesses numbered 7 and 8 in the charge sheet, with the defence requesting that witness examination proceed strictly as per the listed sequence.

Silence From the Main Accused

Throughout the hearing, Darshan remained largely silent. Observers in court noted that he stood with folded hands while listening to arguments through the video conference, without making any detailed submissions of his own. The court recorded his presence and proceeded with the arguments presented by legal counsel representing the accused.

The court also disposed of pleas seeking jail transfers by two of the accused. Accused Jagadish filed an application requesting transfer to Chitradurga jail, citing personal reasons. The judge rejected this plea, stating that the request could not be considered at this stage of the proceedings.

Similarly, another accused, Anukumar, sought a transfer to Chitradurga jail, citing his mother’s ill health. While acknowledging the submission, the court ruled that transfers could not be permitted until key eyewitnesses in the case were examined. The judge clarified that the stability of custody arrangements was essential during the witness examination phase.

After hearing all submissions, the court formally adjourned the case to December 17. On the next date, the testimony of summoned witnesses, including Renukaswamy’s parents, is expected to play a crucial role in the progress of the trial.

Case Remains Under Close Watch

The Renukaswamy case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of a prominent film actor and the serious nature of the charges. With witness examinations set to begin and custody-related pleas continuing to be raised, the upcoming hearings are expected to be legally significant.

For now, the court has maintained focus on procedural discipline, prioritising witness testimony over custodial comfort requests, while keeping all administrative decisions in line with prison regulations and legal process.

Stay Ahead, Read Faster

Scan the QR code to download the News18 app and enjoy a seamless news experience anytime, anywhere.

login