"There is a facility for life convicts, but why not Darshan?" asked advocate Sunil

A petition filed by a lawyer on behalf of actor Darshan, an accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, has sparked a huge debate. The court has reserved its order for September 9 to provide basic amenities like bedsheets, pillows, home-cooked meals to Darshan.

Advocate Sunil Kumar, appearing for Darshan, explained before the court about the condition of the jail and said that as per the jail manual, the inmates have the opportunity to get essential items including plates, slippers, spoons, bedding, clothes at their own expense. But he took strong exception to the denial of these facilities in Darshan's case. "Prisoners serving life sentences are being given the facility, but only undertrial Darshan has been deprived of it. Isn't this discrimination?" asked Sunil.

Sunil gave the example of Prajwal Revanna in his argument. "The doctor was also jailed in the NIA case. They were given special hospitality. Prajwal Revanna is also in jail. But why is there discrimination only in Darshan's case?" According to the lawyer, Darshan has not come out of the barrack for the past one month. I haven't even seen the sun. They are not even allowed to talk on the phone, even send letters. "Such a move is a violation of fundamental rights," he opined.

Still, Darshan has undergone an operation on his right hand and is also facing health-related complications. Even in such a situation, it is not fair to not provide minimum facilities, he argued. Referring to the Supreme Court order, Sunil recalled the rule that "every prisoner should be provided with minimum facilities, hygienic food and basic amenities". "The rights cannot be taken away just because the bail has been cancelled," he argued.

Darshan's lawyer requested the court that the actor should not be shifted to another jail and minimum facilities should be provided. The court verdict will be out on September 9.