Karnataka High Court Accepts Ranveer Singh's Apology Over 'Kantara' Mimicry

Amidst the success of 'Dhurandhar 2', Ranveer was in trouble for the 'Kantara' mimicry. An FIR was filed against the actor and Ranveer had later filed an apology affidavit. He also assured the court that he would be visiting the Chamundi temple and offer his apology.

As per the latest update on the case, on Saturday, the Karnataka High Court accepted his assurance that he will visit the Chamundi Hill Temple in Mysore as a gesture of apology for his controversial mimicry linked to 'Kantara'. Justice M Nagaprasanna said he would pass orders to close Singh’s plea after recording both his apology and his commitment to visit the temple. The Court also indicated that the visit should take place within four weeks. "While disposing, I will record it, that he will do it in the next four weeks," the judge remarked, according to Bar and Bench.

The case stems from a plea filed by Singh seeking to quash a criminal complaint against him. The complaint was filed after his remarks at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. During a speech praising actor-director Rishab Shetty’s performance, Singh referred to the Chamundi deity as a “female ghost” and mimicked a scene, which led to backlash.

Following this, a criminal case was registered against him under Sections 196 (religious enmity), 299 (religious insult), and 302 (public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Singh approached the High Court, stating that he had no intention of hurting religious sentiments and had already issued an unconditional apology on social media. He also submitted an affidavit expressing regret and offered to visit the Chamundi Hill temple to pray.

During an earlier hearing, the complainant’s lawyer had questioned the authenticity of Singh’s apology affidavit. On Saturday, Singh’s counsel, Senior Advocate Sajjan Poovayya, informed the Court that a revised affidavit with an unconditional apology had now been filed. He reiterated Singh’s willingness to visit the temple, adding that no date had been set yet and the Court could decide it.

On the other side, advocate Prashanth Methal, who filed the complaint, urged the Court to include a strong warning in its order so that public figures are more careful while speaking about matters of faith. "For them, it's just a case. For us, it is a belief system. Every word carries weight, words are impactful and consequential...Other celebrities should not take this lightly, so let there be a harsh caution from this Court," he said.

Responding to this, Justice Nagaprasanna said, "I understand. That is the reason I have not stayed (the criminal case against Singh) it till today... Admonishing, definitely we will do." Poovayya also told the Court that Singh now understands the sensitivity of the issue. "The reason we did not argue it on merits is exactly for this. I have realised the sensitivity and, therefore, I am expressing my regret."