The Karnataka High Court has granted interim bail to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeep Srinivas on medical grounds to undergo spine surgery.

Darshan was kept in custody as a accused in the Renukaswamy murder case.

A single bench of Justice S Vishwajith Shetty reserved the order after hearing the parties.

During the hearing, the court suggested to the petitioner that a second opinion of doctors could be done at a government hospital in Bengaluru instead of seeking a report from a private hospital. The petitioner should not be admitted to a hospital in Mysore only as requested by the actor.

Senior Advocate CV Nagesh, appearing for the petitioner, replied: “Finally, I will undergo treatment in Mysore. I suffer from it (spinal damage) and it is my decision and the doctor’s. I can’t squat, lift weights or walk.” He even expressed security concerns if he is brought to Bengaluru and urged that since the witnesses in the case are from Bengaluru, he should get treatment in Mysore, where he hails from.

Nagesh, referred to the medical report submitted by the government hospital in Bellary and claimed that “Surgical treatment cannot be taken in Bellary milords. The question is whether I should take treatment at the government hospital or be allowed to go to a hospital of my choice.”

He added “The prosecutor’s office cannot ask me to take treatment in a certain place or in a certain hospital. It is open to me to get treatment from a doctor I explicitly trust at my own expense, not at the cost of the exchequer.”

It was stated that the medical report indicated that Darshan may have to face dire consequences if he does not follow the treatment as suggested by the doctors. He initially sought interim bail for 30 days to be examined by doctors at the Apollo Hospital in Mysore.

Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna Kumar opposed the same saying that in the opinion of the doctors, the treatment (surgery) is not required immediately.

Against which the court opined “Once health is lost, it cannot be regained. You expect it to deteriorate so much that treatment is offered. The health of every prisoner, whether it’s a trial, is important.”

He asked the court to refer the petitioner to an expert medical board. Kumar said “Patients should be referred to a medical board in either Victoria or Bowring hospital in Bengaluru. Let him be brought to Bengaluru from Bellary Jail.”

Pointing out that nothing is mentioned in the anticipatory bail application regarding the details of the medical treatment to be given to the petitioner. he said “Ultimately, the bail requirement is to undergo treatment. Let the medical board say the details of treatment. He cannot be released indefinitely.”

Following which the court reserved its order.

Case Title: Darshan v. State of Karnataka

File No: CRL.P 11096/2024

Appearance: Senior Advocate CV Nagesh for Advocate Sunil Kumar S for Petitioner.

SPP Prasanna Kumar for the respondent.