Karnataka High Court Overturns Home-Cooked Food Order for Actor Darshan and Co-Accused in Murder Case
In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court on Wednesday quashed trial court orders that permitted home-cooked food for actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his associate Pavithra Gowda, and other individuals arrested in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case. The court emphasized that such concessions must strictly adhere to prison regulations and medical protocols.
Court Cites Legal and Procedural Flaws in Trial Court Order
Justice M Nagaprasanna delivered the judgment, stating that the trial court's directive was legally unsustainable as it authorized home-cooked food without prior medical examination or recommendation. "Medical advice must precede the grant of home-cooked food. Permission cannot be granted merely on request or as a matter of indulgence," the judge asserted.
The court clarified that while home-cooked food for undertrial prisoners is not prohibited, it can only be granted in accordance with established prison rules and procedures. "Granting such concessions indiscriminately would create chaos in prison management, as other inmates would also be entitled to similar treatment," Justice Nagaprasanna warned.
Upholding Prisoner Dignity and Rights
In his ruling, Justice Nagaprasanna underscored the importance of protecting human dignity within prison walls. "The protection of human dignity does not cease at the gates of the prison. The prisoners, though deprived of liberty, are entitled to basic necessities, a caveat in accordance with the law," he stated.
The judge also expressed concern about the adequacy and quality of prison food, noting that the allocation of Rs 85 per day (now revised to Rs 125) for four meals raises legitimate questions about nutritional sufficiency. To address these concerns, the court directed several measures:
- Digital publication of prison menus at conspicuous locations within facilities
- Establishment of a complaint mechanism for prisoners to report food quality deficiencies
- Periodic inspections by medical officers or designated dietitians to certify food quality
- Issuance of a circular by the state government to ensure compliance with these directions
Background of the Case
The 57th city civil and sessions court had previously directed jail authorities to provide home-cooked food to accused individuals including Pavithra Gowda, R Nagaraja, M Lakshman, and Darshan Thoogudeepa, following an oral submission. This order has now been overturned by the High Court, which found it lacking in proper legal foundation and procedural rigor.
The case involves multiple accused persons arrested in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, with the High Court's ruling establishing important precedents regarding prisoner rights and prison administration protocols in Karnataka.
