Actor Darshan recently asked for two things from the court: a jail transfer and some basic comforts inside his cell. A Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru has heard both sides. The court will announce its decision on September 9.
There are two main requests before the judge. The prosecution filed one petition, asking for actor Darshan to be moved to Ballari Central Jail. Darshan himself filed the other, seeking simple necessities while in custody.
The Jail Transfer Debate
Darshan’s legal team is strongly against the move to Ballari. Senior advocate Sandesh Chouta, representing Darshan, explained why. He noted that Ballari is about 310 kilometers away from Bengaluru. This distance would make it very difficult and impractical for the actor to travel for every court hearing.
However, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Prasanna Kumar sees things differently. He argued that the Supreme Court had already examined Darshan’s behavior in jail when it canceled his bail previously. Because of this, he said, no additional reason is really needed to justify a transfer. Kumar stated that administrative reasons alone are enough to move an accused person to a different jail.
Requesting Basic Comforts
Darshan’s lawyers also pushed for essential items, specifically a bed. Their request included a mattress, a pillow, and a blanket. They stressed that under-trial prisoners, like Darshan, are entitled to certain minimum facilities. The legal team questioned how authorities could legally refuse such necessary items to someone in their care.
The prosecution countered Darshan’s plea for comforts, calling it premature. SPP Prasanna Kumar pointed out that the request was made just two days after Darshan was sent to jail. He further clarified that the rules in the Karnataka Prisoner Act apply to convicted prisoners, not those still awaiting trial. Kumar conceded that items like newspapers and books could be provided. However, he firmly argued that amenities like beds and pillows are not permissible for individuals facing serious charges, such as murder.
After listening to arguments from both the defense and prosecution, the court has reserved its judgment. The decision on Darshan’s requests will come on September 9. Darshan, his friend Pavithra Gowda, and others remain in jail as the Renukaswamy murder case continues.