Karnataka High Court Issues Conditional Order in Ranveer Singh Mimicry Case
The Karnataka High Court delivered a significant conditional ad interim order on Tuesday, directing the Bengaluru police to refrain from taking any coercive measures against Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh. This protection is contingent upon the actor's full cooperation with the ongoing investigation into a controversial incident.
Court's Stern Observations and Legal Proceedings
During the hearing, Justice M Nagaprasanna made pointed oral observations, emphasizing that no individual, regardless of celebrity status, is above the law. "A superstar is not 'ooper' (above) law. You have no right to hurt the sentiments of people," Justice Nagaprasanna stated firmly. The judge highlighted the responsibility that comes with influence, noting that public figures must exercise caution in their statements and cannot afford to be "loose-tongued."
The court has instructed the respondents to file their objections by Monday, which marks the next scheduled hearing date. This legal development follows Ranveer Singh's petition challenging the criminal case registered against him for his mimicry of a character from the acclaimed Kannada film 'Kantara: Chapter 1'.
Arguments Presented by Legal Counsel
Senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Ranveer Singh, presented the actor's defense before the bench. Poovayya acknowledged that his client made an "insensitive and reckless statement" but emphasized that Ranveer promptly issued an apology for mimicking the Chamundi daiva, which was portrayed as a female ghost. The advocate further argued that the magistrate's initial order lacked proper application of mind, questioning its legal foundation.
In a memorable exchange, Justice Nagaprasanna responded to the defense with a cautionary note about digital permanence: "I may forget, you may forget, and people may forget. The internet never forgets." This remark underscored the lasting impact of online content and public statements in the digital age.
Complainant's Perspective and Incident Background
Opposing counsel for the complainant characterized Ranveer Singh's actions as a "shoot and scoot" attempt, suggesting the actor made controversial remarks without considering the consequences. The incident originated during a promotional event for the movie 'Durandhar' at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa. On stage, Ranveer allegedly mimicked actor Rishab Shetty's portrayal from 'Kantara', sparking immediate controversy.
Following a private complaint, the High Grounds police station in Bengaluru registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Ranveer Singh. The case has drawn significant attention due to the cultural sensitivities surrounding regional cinema and the star's substantial public influence. The court's conditional order represents a temporary legal shield for the actor as the judicial process continues to unfold.
