The trial in the high-profile Renukaswamy murder case, involving actor Darshan, has taken a significant legal turn, with one of the accused seeking to become an approver, a move that could alter the course of the prosecution's case.

Pradosh, the 14th accused (A14), has filed an application before the 59th Sessions Court in Bengaluru requesting that he be granted pardon in exchange for making a full and truthful disclosure of the events surrounding the alleged murder.

The development did not stop there. During Wednesday's proceedings, the legal representatives of the eighth accused, Ravishankar (A8), and the 10th accused, Vinay (A10), informed the court that their clients, too, intend to seek approver status. If permitted, the prosecution could gain testimony from multiple accused, potentially strengthening its case.

The hearing also saw sharp arguments between the prosecution and the defence. Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna Kumar submitted that the request falls under the provisions governing pardon to an accomplice and argued that an accused seeking to become an approver must make a complete and voluntary disclosure before a magistrate. He further contended that, at this stage, co-accused have no legal right to object to the application and may challenge the process only after the court decides on the plea.

Senior advocate Hashmath Pasha, appearing for Darshan, opposed the proceedings, arguing that the defence had not been furnished with a copy of Pradosh's application. He maintained that the accused have a fundamental right to know what is being placed before the court and that pardon cannot be granted merely because an accused expresses willingness to testify.

Pradosh has also filed a separate application requesting that he be produced before the court from a separate prison cell and not alongside Darshan or the other accused. His counsel cited security concerns, prompting the court to seek the prosecution's response.

According to the chargesheet, Pradosh faces allegations of participating in the alleged conspiracy, helping destroy evidence after the murder, facilitating attempts to shield the principal accused, and allegedly receiving ₹30 lakh as part of the cover-up. He is also accused of bringing Pavithra Gowda to the Pattangere shed, where the alleged assault took place, and informing Darshan about Renukaswamy's death.

The latest developments come even as the trial court continues recording evidence from key witnesses. Earlier, the Supreme Court had cancelled Darshan's bail, and proceedings in the trial have continued since.