Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sept 15: Actor Darshan, currently lodged at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, continues to be denied even basic custodial amenities, despite a court order mandating the provision of a bed and pillow, his legal team has alleged.

In response, his lawyers have filed a fresh petition before the 57th CCH Court, accusing jail officials of ignoring judicial directions and subjecting the actor to inhumane conditions.

Advocate Sunil, appearing for Darshan, had earlier informed the court that the actor was suffering due to cold conditions inside the prison and urged that minimum facilities such as a mattress and bedding be provided. The court, after hearing arguments, had directed the jail authorities to ensure these basic provisions.

However, in the latest plea, the legal team claims that the court’s directive has not been followed. “Even after the court order, no facilities have been provided. Darshan has not been given a bed or a pillow,” the petition reads.

The plea further seeks contempt of court action against the prison authorities, stating that despite the order being emailed to them, no steps have been taken to implement it. “Darshan continues to suffer as before. It's as though his ordeal is deliberately being prolonged,” the lawyer told the court, adding that the defence team had visited the prison two to three times to follow up but without any result.

It has now been over a month since Darshan was taken into custody, yet he remains lodged in a quarantine cell—a space meant to be used for a maximum of 14 days, according to prison norms.

Raising concern over the lack of exposure to sunlight, the advocate said, “When we asked about sunlight access, we were mockingly told, ‘Can we bring the sun inside?’ This kind of response only reflects the apathy of the officials.”

The petition also alleges that Darshan is being treated in a cruelly minimalistic manner, in violation of basic custodial rights. “He’s being denied even the most essential comforts. This is not just disregard, it borders on harassment,” the legal team stated.

The court has accepted the petition and adjourned the hearing to September 27, when it is expected to take up the matter of non-compliance and possible contempt proceedings.