A local court in T. Narasipura on Friday issued summons to Kannada actor Darshan and his wife Vijayalaxmi, directing them to appear in person on July 4 in connection with the alleged illegal possession of four bar-headed geese at their farmhouse.

The bar-headed goose is a rare migratory bird protected under Indian wildlife laws. The species is native to the Middle East and is listed under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The summons follows a 2023 raid by forest officials at Darshan’s farmhouse located at Kempaiahna Hundi near Mysuru. The operation was triggered by a viral video showing the actor interacting with the birds. Authorities later confirmed that Darshan had admitted to keeping the geese during an interview and had even displayed the birds on camera.

Forest officials seized the four birds during the raid and registered a case under Sections 9, 39, and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, as well as the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022. A charge sheet has since been filed against Darshan, his wife, and their farmhouse manager.

If convicted, the accused could face up to three years in prison.

Officials also found a variety of imported foreign birds at the farmhouse. While the possession of some exotic species is permitted with proper documentation, Darshan was reportedly asked to produce ownership certificates for these birds. The seized bar-headed geese were presented before a Magistrate and later released into the wild.

The case comes amid other controversies surrounding the actor. The farmhouse had previously drawn attention following the death of Darshan's manager, Sridhar. Darshan, who is currently out on conditional bail in the murder case of his fan Renukaswamy, had visited the farmhouse after being released. The prosecution has since challenged his bail in the Supreme Court.

Despite the legal troubles, Darshan is widely known for his fondness for animals and birds.