Sonu Nigam Moves Karnataka HC to Quash FIR Over Controversial Remarks
Renowned singer Sonu Nigam has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash an FIR filed against him by the Karnataka Police.
Bengaluru: Renowned singer Sonu Nigam has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash an FIR filed against him by the Karnataka Police. The FIR stems from his controversial comments during a performance in Bengaluru, where he allegedly linked a demand for a Kannada song to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
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Court Hearing Scheduled for May 15
A bench led by Justice Shivashankar Amarannavar admitted Nigam’s petition on Tuesday and has scheduled the hearing for May 15. The FIR was registered on May 3 after Nigam’s remarks at an event on April 22 sparked widespread backlash.
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FIR Details and Allegations
The FIR against Nigam includes multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, specifically Sections 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 352 (statements inciting public mischief), and 352(1) (intentional insult to provoke a breach of peace). The complaint was filed by Dharmaraj A., the president of the Bengaluru City District unit of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike.
The controversy arose during a performance at the East Point College of Engineering and Technology in Bengaluru, when a member of the audience interrupted Nigam, demanding that he sing a Kannada song. In response, Nigam said, “I have sung in different languages. Among them, the best songs are in Kannada. Whenever I come to Karnataka, I come with a lot of love and respect. You all have treated me like family. I always sing Kannada songs when requested. I’ve been singing in Kannada longer than that youth’s age. But I didn’t like the way he shouted ‘Kannada, Kannada’. It is because of such behaviour that incidents like the Pahalgam attack happen.”
Public Backlash and Apology
Nigam’s comments triggered outrage, with several Kannada organizations calling for an unconditional apology. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) even barred him from engaging in professional work within the Kannada film industry until he apologized.
In response to the growing controversy, Nigam issued an apology on his Instagram, saying: “Sorry Karnataka. My love for you is bigger than my ego. Love you always.”
Investigation and Police Inquiry
Following the FIR, Nigam has been served a notice and asked to appear for questioning by the Avalahalli Police, who are investigating the case. The court’s decision on May 15 will determine the future course of action.
