Court reserves order on Darshan’s plea against jail authorities for denial of basic facilities
Bengaluru: The City Civil and Sessions Court has reserved its order till October 9 on a petition filed by Kannada actor Darshan, seeking contempt proceedings against Parappana Agrahara jail officials for allegedly failing to provide him the minimum facilities mandated under the prison manual.
The matter came up before the 57th Additional City Civil and Sessions Court on Tuesday. Darshan’s counsel argued that despite court directions, the prison authorities had not provided even basic amenities. On the other hand, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) representing the jail authorities maintained that all facilities permissible under the manual had been extended.
Superintendent Suresh appeared before the court and submitted a written explanation. The SPP P. Prasanna Kumar told the court that Darshan had been given access to a telephone, video conferencing, blanket, bed sheet, pillow, plates, and tumblers. He added that the prison manual does not allow for a cot or special barrack as demanded. Darshan is allowed to walk for an hour each in the morning and evening within the available space. “All basic facilities listed in the manual have been provided. But special requests like exposure to sunlight or a separate barrack cannot be claimed as a fundamental right,” the SPP argued.
Darshan’s lawyer Sunil countered that the court’s orders were being ignored. He argued that simple requests for bedding and protection from cold were being denied. “We are not asking for a golden cot. Only basic needs like mattress and pillow. The jail authorities claim facilities are given, but apart from one blanket, nothing has been provided after the court order,” he said.
The counsel further alleged that Darshan had been kept in a quarantine cell, unlike any other prisoner, and placed next to cells where terrorists were once housed. He claimed the rule of keeping a prisoner in quarantine applied only for 14 days, or in case of violations inside the prison for up to 60 days. “Darshan is being subjected to restrictions not found anywhere in law. Even convicted rapist Umesh Reddy has a room with a colour TV, while VIP prisoners get special facilities. Only Darshan is being singled out,” he argued.
The SPP maintained that a quarantine cell was part of the prison system and the administration was empowered to allocate any cell depending on security concerns. He said Darshan, as an undertrial, could be lodged in any cell. “He has earlier misused facilities. Considering the risks, a separate cell is justified. The authorities are within their rights under the rules,” he said.
After hearing both sides, the court reserved its order for October 9.
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Vijay unable to prove majority, not invited for CM oath ceremony: Sources
Chennai: Actor-politician Vijay has reportedly not been invited to take oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after failing to demonstrate support from the required number of MLAs, sources in Raj Bhavan said.
According to media reports that quoted sources in the office of R.N. Ravi Arlekar, Vijay could not prove the backing of 118 legislators, the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Despite last-minute efforts to secure support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazagam (AMMK), and an IUML legislator, Vijay reportedly managed support from only 116 MLAs, falling short by two members.
Sources said Vijay failed to submit letters of support from the VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Later, the IUML issued a statement clarifying that it was not part of the TVK-led alliance.
Meanwhile, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran is also said to have informed the Governor that his party would support the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) instead.
Earlier in the evening, Vijay had met Governor Arlekar and staked claim to form the government, stating that he enjoyed the support of 118 MLAs.
