India, May 15 -- The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Karnataka government to examine all key witnesses within a year in the murder case involving Kannada actor Darshan, saying the actor would be free to seek bail if there is no substantial progress in the trial during that period.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Darshan alleging denial of basic amenities in jail after the top court cancelled his bail in August last year. The Karnataka government denied the allegations and said all facilities available to undertrial prisoners were being extended to him.

During the hearing, the court was informed that charges in the case were framed in November 2025 and only 10 out of the 272 prosecution witnesses had been examined so far....