Karnataka HC allows Darshan’s physical presence for key witness cross-examination

The Karnataka High Court on Friday allowed Darshan, the Kannada actor accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, to be physically produced before the trial court during cross-examination of material witnesses. Justice V Srishananda disposed of a petition by Darshan's wife Vijayalakshmi, directing the trial judge to fix two or three consecutive dates for cross-examination of key witnesses identified by the defence. The court ordered that cross-examination must be completed on those dates without adjournments, with necessary security arrangements.

The prosecution will examine 60 witnesses including the seven the petitioner named, and witnesses listed by the state. Darshan's physical presence will not be allowed during chief examination. The court clarified its directions apply only to this case, citing sensitivity and peculiarity, and are not to be treated as precedent. The trial court had earlier rejected Darshan's request and directed video conferencing, which the defence argued faced connectivity issues hampering consultation with counsel.