The Karnataka High Court has granted interim protection to actor Ranveer Singh in connection with an FIR filed over his mimicry of the Daiva scene from the film Kantara, directing authorities not to take any coercive action against him for now.
The case came up before Justice M. Nagaprasanna after a Bengaluru-based advocate filed a complaint alleging that the actor had mocked the Chavundi Daiva tradition, which is considered sacred by people of coastal Karnataka.
Background
Ranveer Singh landed in controversy following his on-stage imitation of Rishab Shetty’s Daiva performance during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on November 30, while promoting his film Dhurandhar.
The FIR was registered under BNS Sections 196 (promoting enmity between groups), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious sentiments), and 302 (using words intended to hurt religious feelings).
Following social media backlash, the actor had issued a public apology, stating he did not intend to hurt sentiments and was only praising Shetty’s performance.
Court Proceedings
Appearing for Ranveer Singh, Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya acknowledged the controversy and submitted: “At the outset, I admit a completely insensitive statement made by me has led to this complaint being filed,” as reported in court.
During the hearing, the Bench noted the sensitivity of the issue, observing: “Rishab Shetty was performing an act of deity. Goddess Chamundi. He may be aware or may not be aware of the impact of the religious sentiments towards the deity,”
The Court cautioned the actor about responsibility in public speech, stating: “An act of mimicking Shetty would definitely hurt. 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.”
Judge Flags Influence of Public Figures
Justice Nagaprasanna also underscored the wider influence of celebrities: “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…your apology will take back the words? I may forget, you may forget, but the internet never forgets.”
To this, Poovayya responded: “I bow down.”
The Court further remarked: “When actors go on stages and try to do all this. You have to exercise caution…religious sentiment of the people of the region should be respected.”
It added: “You are speaking of a deity, mimicking a deity. Why film was made explanation is there. But standing on a stage, you cannot take it so lightly.”
Intent and Recklessness Debated
While the defence argued the remarks were not deliberate, the Court observed: “I’m not saying it is a deliberate statement. It is gross ignorance. It is a sacred act of the region.”
Poovayya replied: “Correct.”
The complainant’s counsel told the court the actor continued despite being warned. When the Court asked: “He was asked to stop?” The counsel answered: “Yes. Don’t do that, he says…”
Interim Protection Granted
The State informed the Court that the Magistrate had already considered the complaint. Poovayya countered that careless statements should not automatically attract penal provisions and urged the Bench to view the video footage.
After hearing the parties, the Court directed, “You file objections, and I’ll take it on Monday. But don’t take coercive steps till then. You (Ranveer Singh) are reckless and have no right to do what you have done,”
Granting interim relief, the High Court protected the actor from coercive action while directing him to fully cooperate with the investigation.
The matter is now posted for further hearing on 2 March 2026, when the Court is expected to examine the case in greater detail.
Source: Times of India
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