A magistrate court in Bengaluru on Thursday rejected a plea filed by Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is in judicial custody in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case, seeking access to home-cooked food, bedding, and books.
Judge Vishwanath C. Gowdar of the 24th ACMM court dismissed Darshan’s application, following the Karnataka High Court’s suggestion that he approach the magistrate court first before seeking relief from the High Court.
Darshan’s counsel argued that the actor needs a high-protein diet to maintain his physique and that the food served in prison was causing him digestive issues.
The Court considered a medical report stating that Darshan was experiencing general weakness and that the chief medical officer in prison had advised him to rest and consume nutritious food. However, the medical officer did not recommend any special or medical diet, the Court noted.
Given that Darshan is facing murder charges, the Court ruled, “This court is justified to hold that prima facie, at this stage of proceedings, the report of the Chief Medical Officer dated 22.07.2024 does not warrant the interference by this court with respect to the food being provided to him. That apart, this court is also of the view that the accused number 2 (Darshan) is not entitled to the relief sought for in the IA pursuant to Rule 728 of the Karnataka Prisons and Correctional Services Manual, 2021, as he is facing allegations of murder.”
In his plea before the High Court, Darshan stated that the prison authorities were denying him access to these items even though Sections 30 and 32 of the Karnataka Prisons Act permit civil prisoners and undertrials to maintain themselves and receive food and bedding from outside.
On July 19, Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar refused to grant any interim relief, advising Darshan to approach the magistrate court first, similar to how Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had approached the Rouse Avenue Court to request home-cooked food, medication, etc.
The High Court, however, kept Darshan’s petition pending so it could be heard if he failed to get relief from the magistrate court.
The dead body of 33-year-old auto driver Renukaswamy was found on June 9. It is alleged that he died from injuries sustained in an attack carried out on Darshan’s instructions. The actor allegedly called upon his fans to accost Renukaswamy for making derogatory comments against his alleged partner, Pavithra Gowda, on social media.
