The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday directed the Karnataka government not to take any enforcement action against Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh in connection with an FIR registered over his alleged derogatory remarks related to the depiction of a deity in Kantara: Chapter 1.
The court granted interim protection on the condition that the actor fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Petition against FIR Heard by Bench
A single-judge bench of M. Nagaprasanna heard Singh’s petition seeking quashing of the FIR registered at the High Grounds police station. The complaint relates to remarks made during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India held in Goa on November 28, 2025.
The defense says the remarks were meant as a compliment
Senior advocate Sajjan Poovayya, who appeared for the actor, said Singh expressed remorse for what was described as an inappropriate statement.
According to the defense, the act was meant as an admiring tribute to Rishab Shetty’s performance in Kantara: Chapter 1 and was not intended to hurt religious sentiments.
The court emphasizes the responsibility of public persons
During the hearing, the bench made strong oral observations on the responsibility of celebrities in making public statements. Referring to Shetty’s portrayal of the deity in the film, the court noted that regardless of whether Singh was aware of the cultural context, he should have acted sensitively.
“You could be Ranveer Singh or anyone else. But one should not be so insensitive. Ranveer could be a superstar. It was not expected from him who has the power to influence people,” the bench observed.
The court also emphasized the lasting impact of public comments, noting that while people may forget, “the internet doesn’t forget.”
Controversy over IFFI’s performance
The controversy arose from Singh’s performance at IFFI 2025 where he allegedly mimicked the sacred Daiva sequence from Kantara: Chapter 1. He allegedly referred to the revered Chavundi Daiva as a “female spirit” or “devil” while mimicking the deity’s expressions.
The act was seen by some sections as a mockery of religious traditions, leading to a private complaint by a Bengaluru-based advocate.
FIR registered under BNS provisions
Following a complaint lodged in Bengaluru, an FIR was registered under Sections 196, 299 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Singh later approached the Supreme Court seeking to quash the case.
In granting the preliminary injunction, the court ordered the state and other respondents to file their objections. The matter was adjourned for further hearing on March 2.
(With inputs from news agency ANI)
