The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday, September 1, heard an urgent petition filed by actor Darshan challenging the trial court’s decision to allow co-accused Pradosh Rao, Accused No. 14 in the Renukaswamy murder case, to turn approver. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its order for September 2.

Darshan’s senior counsel, Hasmath Pasha, argued that the trial court had not followed the appropriate legal procedure while granting Pradosh pardon and allowing him to become an approver. The defence also questioned the basis on which a report was sought from a probation officer, who reportedly described Pradosh as a person of good conduct.

The High Court questioned whether such a report was necessary and whether it could be set aside, while Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna Kumar told the court that the prosecution had not sought a report from the probation officer.

The defence further argued that the case already has two eyewitnesses and questioned the need to rely on an approver when other witnesses are available. According to the argument, an approver should be considered only when there is a need for such testimony.

The development assumes significance as a Bengaluru sessions court had granted Pradosh conditional pardon on August 25, allowing him to become a prosecution witness. If he retracts his statement or gives false evidence, he could again face the consequences of being treated as an accused.

Pradosh’s examination as a prosecution witness was scheduled for September 2. Darshan’s legal team therefore sought an urgent hearing, arguing that the High Court’s decision could determine whether the examination proceeds.

The High Court’s order on September 2 will now determine the immediate course of the approver proceedings.