Karnataka High Court Stays Proceedings Suspending Actor Darshan's Arms License

The Karnataka High Court on Monday (February 23) stayed proceedings in connection with an order suspending arms license of actor Darshan on the allegation that when he was on bail, there was a "propensity" of him misusing the weapon.

The court was hearing Darshan's plea challenging a January 20, 2025 order passed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) Bengaluru suspending the Arms License issued to him. In the interim the plea sought stay on the operation of the suspension order.

During the hearing the actor's counsel Sunil Kumar S submitted before Justice M Nagaprasanna that the order under challenge was passed when the petitioner was on bail.

"I haven't threatened anyone. They have apprehension...I was granted license in 2008...Because of his name they are doing..." he said. The State said that he has to preserve the weapon.

The court at this stage orally said, "If it is unlicensed you tell me I will definitely dismiss...because he has licensed pistol when he is out on bail he may do something...apprehension...". The petitioner's counsel said that the petitioner has surrendered the arm.

Issuing notice on the petition the court in its order dictated, "The petitioner is before the court calling in question the proceedings SC 1319/2024. The allegation is under the Arms Act. The content of the allegation is that the petitioner when he was granted bail had the propensity to misuse licensed pistol which he had been granted license of in 2008. His bail is cancelled and is back to the prison. The petitioner's counsel submits that arm is also surrendered pursuant to him going back to the prison. In that light, further proceedings shall remain stayed as it is an exercise in futility for the present at least".

The matter is listed on March 6.

The actor is presently in judicial custody after the Supreme Court had cancelled bail granted to him and other accused by the Karnataka High Court in the Renukaswamy murder case.

Case title: SRI. DARSHAN S v/s STATE OF KARNATAKA

WP 2629/2025