Darshan has no right to participate in approver proceedings: Karnataka high court

In a setback for actor Darshan in the Renukaswamy murder case, the high court Thursday rejected his petition challenging the trial court’s decision not to hear his arguments before deciding on an application by accused no. 14, Pradosh, who has sought to become an approver.

Justice M Nagaprasanna noted that the issue stands completely covered by the decision of the high court in Vinay Kulkarni case which attained finality as a special leave petition against its order was turned down by Supreme Court.

Darshan had challenged the Aug 10 order of the trial court rejecting his plea to provide an audience to address arguments on the application filed by Pradosh. Before the trial court, he had invoked principles of natural justice and the same was rejected.

“The co-accused has no right to say or participate in the pardon proceedings. The right of the co-accused comes into play only when the evidence of the accomplice is recorded before the court as a witness. Till then, co-accused do not have any right,” the trial court had held while relying upon various judgments including the case of Vinay Kulkarni.

The interests of the co-accused are adequately protected at the stage of trial by providing them an opportunity to cross-examine the approver and contest his evidence, the trial court had further pointed out in its order.

Source: The Times of India