Darshan should not be shifted to Ballari Jail: "It is impossible to hold hearings every day," argues Darshan's lawyer

Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, an accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, is facing a lot of difficulties in his jail life. He is lodged in Parappana Agrahara Central Jail and has demanded another bed, bedsheet and pillow. The matter has been adjourned to 4 pm on September 3.

Darshan was earlier lodged in Ballari Central Jail. SPP Prasanna Kumar, appearing for the government, opined that he should now be sent back to Ballari. However, Darshan's lawyer Sandesh Chowta strongly opposed it.

According to him,

• There are 272 witnesses in the case and the Supreme Court has directed for a speedy trial.
• It is impossible to come to Bengaluru from Ballari for every hearing.
• It is necessary to talk directly to the lawyer, which is not possible through video conferencing.
• Cigarette issue - Lawyer's argument

Darshan's lawyer argued that if there is a smoking zone in the jail, it is not wrong under the law to smoke cigarettes there. However, darshan was shifted to the spot after a photo of him holding a cigarette surfaced. "If smoking is permitted, it is not right to shift him to another jail under the same Act," he said. Darshan has asked for another bed, pillow and bedsheet. In this regard, the lawyer said,
"The undertrial prisoner should be given the facility as per law. Let him clarify under what law it will not be given," he said.

As SPP Prasanna Kumar, appearing for the government, says –

• The petition was filed within two days of Darshan's imprisonment.
• The facility under the Karnataka Prisoners Act is applicable only to convicts and not to undertrials.
• They can get beds, pillows at their expense, but the final decision rests with the Inspector General of Prisons.
• There is no bar on attending the hearing through video conferencing, the law has already allowed it.

The final hearing will be held on September 3 at 4 pm.