Darshan Thoogudeepa has suffered a major legal setback after the Supreme Court of India refused to grant him bail in the high-profile murder case linked to Renukaswamy. The ruling effectively keeps the actor behind bars as the court pushes for a fast-tracked trial in one of Karnataka’s most closely watched criminal cases.

The Supreme Court, while dismissing Darshan’s bail plea for now, directed the prosecution to complete the examination of 60 key witnesses within one year. The bench also clarified that if substantial progress is not made in the trial during that period, the actor may approach the trial court again with a fresh bail application.

The court expressed sharp displeasure over the slow pace of proceedings. Although charges were framed on November 3, only 10 witnesses have reportedly been examined in the last seven months. Justice Pardiwala reportedly warned against unnecessary delays and instructed that the trial should proceed without repeated adjournments.

Darshan’s legal team, led by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi and Siddharth Luthra, argued that the delay in witness examination was hampering the case and highlighted the absence of a permanent judge in the 57th CCH Court, where the trial is underway. Taking note of the concern, the Supreme Court instructed the High Court to expedite the appointment process and fill the vacant judicial post immediately.

The actor had also alleged that he was being denied basic facilities in prison. In response, the court directed prison authorities to provide Darshan with all standard amenities available to other inmates under the jail manual. However, the bench declined to comment on issues related to quarantine cell arrangements.

With SC refusing interim relief, Darshan’s hopes for an immediate release have been shattered. Unless the trial sees significant developments before then, the actor is expected to remain in custody for at least another year as the Renukaswamy murder case moves forward under intense public scrutiny.