After nearly a month in jail, Kannada actor Darshan Toogudeepa, arrested on charges of attempting to murder his wife, was today granted bail by the Karnataka High Court which summoned him and his wife to appear before it on October 13.
Darshan, a leading Kannada cinema hero, was arrested on September 9 after Vijaylakshmi lodged a police complaint, based on which the charge of attempt to murder was slapped against him.
After hearing counsel for Darshan and public prosecutor, Justice B V Pinto granted bail to the actor on furnishing a Rs 25,000 personal bond.
The judge ordered the actor and his wife, along with his counsel and public prosecutor, to be present in his chamber on October 13 to arrive at a suitable conclusion through negotiations, if it's possible, leading to the couple having harmonious relationship.
Holding that he could not continue to keep a celebrity actor locked up in jail and demoralise him, Justice Pinto said the actor, along with his film career, needs balancing his family life as well.
Opposing the bail plea, the public prosecutor said Darshan has a history of assaulting his wife and had caused injuries to her, including fracture. He had even used burning cigarettes on her and her safety would be in peril if he was released, he argued.
He also wanted an order setting suitable conditions on the actor and an undertaking by him to the court.
Darshan's counsel argued that the offences against him are not punishable for life.
Earlier, a lower court had rejected his bail plea despite his wife seeking to withdraw her complaint.
Darshan had allegedly assaulted and threatened his wife with a revolver.