The Karnataka High Court has stressed that witness examination in the Renukaswamy murder case should be completed without delay or harassment, and said technical issues should not postpone the proceedings. The court also indicated that key witnesses could be examined at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara prison if necessary.
A single-judge bench of Justice V. Srishananda made the observations while hearing a writ petition filed by Vijayalakshmi, the wife of accused actor Darshan. The petition challenges a sessions court decision refusing Darshan permission to be physically present during the examination of witnesses.
According to the report of Prajavani, senior counsel Hashmat Pasha represented Vijayalakshmi, while special public prosecutor P. Prasanna Kumar appeared for the prosecution. The bench heard arguments from both sides before adjourning the hearing to September 16.
The court expressed concern that prolonged witness examination could affect the prosecution’s case. It observed that the case had only four or five major witnesses and that three days could be sufficient for their cross-examination. The court said the petitioners and the investigating officer could inform the trial court of the dates required and work out the schedule.
The bench also said the trial court could be directed to conduct the examination of important witnesses inside Parappana Agrahara prison, if required. The observation came in the context of the dispute over the accused’s physical presence during the proceedings.
The Renukaswamy murder case concerns the killing of a man from Chitradurga. Darshan is among the accused in the case. The High Court’s latest hearing did not conclude the petition and instead set September 16 as the next date for consideration. The court’s comments, as reported, relate to the pace and conduct of witness examination and do not determine the guilt or innocence of any accused.
