Karnataka HC pulls up Ranveer Singh over alleged mockery of daiva tradition

Bengaluru 

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday strongly reprimanded Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh over allegations that he mocked a local deity during a public event held in November last year. While expressing displeasure over the actor’s remarks, the court directed the Bengaluru police not to initiate any coercive action against him, subject to his cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

Justice M Nagaprasanna, hearing the actor’s petition seeking quashing of the FIR registered against him, observed that public figures must exercise restraint and responsibility in their statements.

“You must be responsible in your statements. You can’t be loose-tongued at all. You may be Ranveer Singh; you may be anybody. Whether there is mens rea or not, we will examine,” the court remarked.

The case stems from an incident at the Filmfare Awards ceremony held in Goa in November, where Singh allegedly imitated actor-director Rishab Shetty in his portrayal of a deity figure in Kantara Chapter-1. The performance reportedly referenced the ‘Avesham’ of Goddess Chamundi, central to the sacred Daiva tradition. Singh is also accused of referring to the deity as a “female ghost,” triggering outrage among sections of the public.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Singh, conceded that the actor’s remarks were “insensitive and reckless” but contended that they did not amount to a criminal offence as there was no deliberate intent to hurt religious sentiments.

“At the outset, I admit a completely insensitive statement made by me has led to this complaint being filed,” counsel submitted, adding that Singh had already issued an apology considering the sensitivity of the issue.

The court, however, underscored the influence wielded by film personalities in society. “You being an actor have influence on so many people. When you have that, you should be responsible. You may mimic; you may do anything. You have no right to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments. Will your apology take back the words? I may forget, you may forget, but the internet never forgets,” Justice Nagaprasanna observed.

The complaint was initially filed by a lawyer before a city court, alleging that Singh’s actions hurt religious sentiments. Acting on the court’s direction, city police registered an FIR against the actor under Sections 196, 299 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), pertaining to promoting enmity, deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings, and intentional wounding of religious sentiments. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on Monday.