Today, On 24th February The Karnataka High Court rebuked Ranveer Singh for his Kantara deity remarks at IFFI, stressing “superstar not above law” and noting community offence. It noted his apology but questioned recklessness while granting interim relief after hearing submissions.
The Karnataka High Court rebuked Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh for remarks he made about the film Kantara during a speech at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna noted that Singh’s reference to the film’s depiction of Chamundi Devi and his imitation of the deity had offended the sentiments of a community.
Justice Nagaprasanna remarked,
“You may be Ranveer Singh or anybody. You can’t be loose-tongued at all! We will see if there is mens rea (guilty intent). But you being an actor, you have influence on so many people. You have to be responsible. If you are speaking about a deity (you have to do your research), you can’t call it a ghost. You have no right to hurt anybody’s religious sentiments. You have apologised, but will your apology take back all the words? When actors go on stages and try to do all this, you should exercise restraint. Without having knowledge, you can’t say anything. You can’t take it so lightly. Super star is not upar (above) law, sir.”
The court agreed, however, to grant Singh temporary relief by staying further coercive action in the criminal matter for the time being, on the condition that he cooperates with the investigation.
The state was ordered not to take any coercive measures against him until March 3, when the court will next hear the case.
The interim order followed submissions pointing out that Singh has already issued an apology and expressed willingness to make amends for his remarks.
The controversy arose after Singh, while praising actor Rishab Shetty and his performance in Kantara: Chapter 1, described a deity as a “female ghost” and imitated Shetty’s portrayal comments that sparked widespread online backlash.
An Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Bengaluru subsequently ordered an inquiry under Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Following that direction, the High Grounds Police Station filed an FIR naming Singh under Sections 196 (religious enmity), 299 (religious insult) and 302 (public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Singh maintained in court that his remarks were taken out of context, that he had no intention of offending any religion or community, and that he had posted an unconditional apology on social media clarifying that his comments were meant solely to applaud Shetty’s performance.
His counsel argued that the legal elements required for the charged offences were not present, since there was no malicious intent, incitement to violence, or attempt to create communal disharmony.
Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Singh, acknowledged the actor’s insensitivity but questioned whether the actor should continue to face criminal proceedings when there was no deliberate intent to hurt sentiments.
The senior counsel said,
“I admit, a completely insensitive statement made by me at a formal occasion led to complaint being filed. I am willing to do everything that could undo my recklessness,”
Justice Nagaprasanna stressed that public figures wield influence and must therefore exercise restraint. He said Singh should have researched before commenting on a deity and questioned whether an apology alone could erase the impact of his words.
The court directed the state to file its objections and adjourned the matter to be heard next week, while maintaining the interim protection.
The judge said,
“You (State) file your objections, I will hear it on Monday. But don’t take coercive steps. He is admitting he was reckless. You (Ranveer Singh) are reckless. And you have no right to do what you have done. No person in the garb of talent, comedy show has right to hurt religious sentiments or dignity of others,”
Singh was represented by Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya, assisted by advocates Ameet Naik, Madhu Gadodia, Manu Kulkarni and Abhilash of Poovayya & Co.
Earlier, Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has moved the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash an FIR registered against him over remarks made during his speech at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
According to the complaint, Singh’s speech at the film festival allegedly hurt religious sentiments and promoted enmity between communities. During his address, Singh had praised actor Rishab Shetty and appreciated his performance in the film Kantara: Chapter 1.
Case Title: Ranveer Singh v. State of Karnataka
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