The claim of mimicry in Kantara Chapter 1 reached a turning point in a case, a case before which the Karnataka High Court directed Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh to visit Chamundi Hills temple, Mysuru, within four weeks. In rejecting an application by an actor to quash the FIR against him, the court rendered the same.
In November 2022, he spoke in his address at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Kantara Chapter 1 discussion. The actor was said to have impersonated and insulted sacred deities of coastal Karnataka, including Panjurli and Guliga. He was also accused of disparagingly mentioning the Chamundi deity, which was said to be damaging the emotions of devotees.
FIR was registered in Bengaluru under the requirements of the High Grounds Police Station towards fostering hostility amongst groups and insulting religious beliefs. The complaint argued that comments made by the actor could threaten communal harmony and inculcate the sentiments of lakhs of followers.
There, a senior advocate for Ranveer Singh told the court that the actor also delivered an unconditional apology via an affidavit. Although no exact date had been given, the counsel said Ranveer would be delighted to come to the temple as an act of respect. Arguing on behalf of the complainant, advocate CG Malayal made a strong case against this position, contending that the matter was more than a legal one but a religious one.
They’re going to make a big deal out of it because words matter, and because people have a lot of responsibility when addressing something like that, he added. He also called for the court to have an iron hand in warning and preventing cases like this from being overlooked in the future. Recognising these concerns, Justice M. Nagaprasanna, the bench, said Ranveer Singh would be going to the Chamundi Hills temple in the next four weeks.
The court also indicated that there was a need to act responsibly, and such matters should be a warning. The state’s Additional Government Advocate also requested that the actor provide prior notice for his visit to prepare for security arrangements, which the court acknowledged. The High Court dismissed the petition, though it also agreed to Ranveer Singh’s affidavit and closed the case without going further on the merits.
The court did say there would be no incidents of warnings in the absence of the law that was passed. This case has sparked national dialogue over the free flow of speech, public figures and the sensitivity of Indian religious sentiments. Some defended the actor’s right to speak; others feel some public figures have more business to do if they are to engage with deeply held cultural and spiritual traditions.
