14 August,2026 10:29 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pavithra Gowda. Pic via Instagram
Actress Pavithra Gowda, who is currently facing imprisonment in the high-profile Renukaswamy murder case, was reprimanded by the Karnataka High Court during the latest hearing. She was questioned after she appeared late before the court and was allegedly seen using headphones while in custody. Although. Pavithra denied the use of headphones, the judge refused to accept her explanation and sought a written clarification from the jail authorities.
On August 13, 2026, a hearing of the Renukaswamy murder case was held in the Karnataka High Court wherein Pavithra appeared before the court via video conference. According to a report by Amar Ujala, the judge questioned her over her delayed appearance and also about the alleged use of headphones in the women's cell.
The judge asked, "Why did you appear late for the hearing? Who allowed the use of headphones in the women's cell? Are headphones provided in female cells? Are headphones even allowed in jail?"
Pavithra reportedly refused to accept that she was using headphones. However, the judge rejected her explanation, saying, "I myself saw that you were using headphones." The court also expressed serious concern over the alleged security lapse while seeking a written clarification from the jail authorities about how the actress was able to use headphones while in custody.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court also dismissed actor Darshan Thoogudeepa's plea challenging co-accused Pradosh's application to become an approver in the infamous Renukaswamy murder case. Notably, Pradosh, also an accused in the case, has sought approver status. If granted, the approver status would allow him to cooperate with the prosecution and provide evidence about the alleged crime.
According to Live Law, a single-judge bench headed by Justice M Nagaprasanna dictated the order, observing that a co-accused does not have the right to oppose another accused's possibility of turning approver at this stage of the proceedings. The ruling marks another setback for Darshan, who had challenged Pradosh's move.
However, the court is yet to grant Pradosh approver status as his application will still have to go through the due legal process.
Notably, Darshan had been granted bail on medical grounds in the case a year ago. However, the bail was later cancelled.
