Court bars coercive action over Daiva mimicry case, seeks response from govt
February 24, 2026: The Karnataka High Court has granted interim relief to Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh in the ‘Kantara’ mimicry controversy linked to an event in Goa. Singh had approached the court seeking to quash an FIR registered in Bengaluru over his alleged gestures portraying a Daiva character from Kantara 2. According to ANI, the court directed the state not to take coercive action against him, subject to his cooperation with the investigation, and scheduled the next hearing for March 2.
The FIR was lodged at High Grounds Police Station following a complaint by a Bengaluru-based lawyer, alleging that Singh mimicked a Daiva performance during the closing ceremony of IFFI 2025 and referred to the daivas as “ghosts”. The complaint claimed the act disrespected traditional Chavundi Daiva practices revered in coastal Karnataka. The case was registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), with the complainant asserting that the portrayal hurt religious sentiments linked to Panjurli and Guliga Daiva traditions.
Earlier, Singh issued a public apology, clarifying that his intent was to praise actor-director Rishab Shetty for his performance in Kantara. He stated that he holds deep respect for all cultures and traditions and expressed regret if his remarks hurt anyone’s sentiments. The court’s interim protection now offers the actor temporary relief as the legal proceedings continue.