The Supreme Court has issued a stern warning regarding the treatment of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is an accused in the Renukaswamy murder case. The court stated that any preferential treatment given to the actor within the jail premises would result in the immediate suspension of the jail superintendent and other involved officials.

The bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan made it clear that "no one is above the law" and that obedience to the law is a rule, not a favor. This strong statement accompanied the Supreme Court's decision to cancel the bail previously granted to Darshan by the Karnataka High Court. The Supreme Court emphasized the High Court's "serious legal infirmity" and called its decision an "arbitrary exercise" of discretion. The Supreme Court also cancelled the bail of Pavithra Gowda and five other accused individuals.

The court's concern extends to ensuring that Darshan receives no special privileges while in custody. Justice Pardiwala specifically cautioned against allowing him to smoke or drink in prison. The court further warned that if any evidence surfaces, such as photos, showing Darshan receiving VIP treatment, immediate action would be taken against the jail authorities, prison officials, and the state government.

This ruling comes amidst allegations of irregularities and preferential treatment of Darshan while he was previously held in Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. In August 2024, reports surfaced that Darshan was receiving special facilities, leading to the suspension of nine prison officials, including the Chief Superintendent and Superintendent. Three FIRs were also registered in connection with these alleged irregularities, citing the use of mobile phones and other violations of prison rules.

The police have alleged that the victim, Renukaswamy, was held in a shed in Bengaluru for three days in June 2024, where he was tortured. His body was later recovered from a drain. Darshan, along with actress Pavithra Gowda and others, is accused of abducting and torturing Renukaswamy, who allegedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra.

The Supreme Court has directed that the trial of witnesses be carried out swiftly, reinforcing the principle that no individual, regardless of their status, is exempt from the law. The court also instructed authorities to distribute copies of the verdict to all High Courts and state governments.

Senior Counsel Chidanand, representing the state, stated that the evidence collected during the investigation was presented before the Supreme Court against Darshan and his associates. He also commented that the High Court's judgment was described as "perverted" by the Supreme Court bench, which also stated that the High Court had treated the matter as trivial.