The Karnataka High Court has directed that witness examination in the Renukaswamy murder case should proceed without harassment or avoidable delay, observing that technical issues should not hold up the proceedings. The court also indicated that the examination of key witnesses could, if necessary, be conducted inside Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara prison.
The observations were made on Thursday by a single-judge bench headed by Justice V. Srishananda while hearing a writ petition filed by Vijayalakshmi, wife of accused actor Darshan. The petition challenges a sessions court decision refusing to permit Darshan to be physically present during the examination of witnesses.
The court heard arguments from senior advocate Hashmat Pasha, representing Vijayalakshmi, and special public prosecutor P. Prasanna Kumar. During the hearing, the bench expressed concern that the interests of all parties were also the responsibility of the court.
The High Court said the trial in the Chitradurga-based Renukaswamy murder case should be completed in a cordial manner and without delay. It further observed that prolonged delays in examining witnesses could create risks for the prosecution.
According to the observations reported by Prajavani, the court said there were only four or five key witnesses in the case and that three days could be sufficient for their cross-examination. The bench asked the petitioner and the investigating officer to inform the trial court of their preferred dates so that the schedule could be decided there.
The court also indicated that it could direct the examination of important witnesses to be held at Parappana Agrahara prison if required. The suggestion was made in the context of ensuring that technical or logistical issues did not further delay the proceedings.
The petition concerns the arrangements for witness examination and Darshan’s request to be present in person. The High Court’s observations did not conclude the petition. Instead, the hearing was adjourned to September 16.
The Renukaswamy case concerns the murder investigation involving a resident of Chitradurga. The latest hearing focused on the pace and conditions of the trial process, particularly the examination and cross-examination of key witnesses. The court’s stated concern was that the proceedings should remain orderly, avoid harassment and move forward without unnecessary delay.
The next hearing is scheduled for September 16, when the High Court is expected to consider the petition further.
