Karnataka High Court Grants Interim Relief To Sonu Nigam in Case Over Alleged Remarks on Kannadigas

May 15, 2025 : The Karnataka High Court on Thursday directed the police not to take any coercive action against playback singer Sonu Nigam until the next hearing in connection with a case filed over his alleged remarks against the Kannadiga community.

Justice Shivashankar Amarannavar, who passed the interim order, also stated that Nigam is not required to appear in person to provide a statement at this stage. The court was hearing Nigam’s plea seeking to quash the FIR registered against him.

During the proceedings, the State assured the court that no strict action would be initiated against the singer as long as he cooperates with the ongoing investigation.

The controversy stems from a statement made by Nigam at a music event held in Bengaluru on April 22, which reportedly hurt the sentiments of the local Kannadiga population. A formal complaint was lodged at the Avalahalli police station, leading to the registration of an FIR on May 3.

The FIR, filed by Dharmaraj A., President of the Bengaluru Urban District Unit of the pro-Kannada outfit Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, includes multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code—Section 351(2) (criminal intimidation), Section 352(1) (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and Section 353 (incitement to public mischief).

According to the complaint, Nigam’s comments were “emotionally provocative” and “hurt the sentiments” of the Kannadiga community, with potential to disturb harmony among linguistic groups in the state.

In response to the backlash, Nigam issued a public apology on May 5 via social media, stating: “Sorry Karnataka. My love for you is bigger than my ego. Love you always.”

The case is expected to come up for further hearing in the coming days.