Karnataka HC slams Kamal Haasan over Kannada row, seeks apology
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Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday reprimanded actor Kamal Haasan over his controversial remarks about the origins of the Kannada language, questioning why police protection should be provided for what it termed his 'mistake'. The court advised, “Don’t use the Right to Speech to hurt sentiments.”
The remarks came during a hearing of a petition filed by Kamal Haasan seeking security for the screening of his upcoming movie 'Thug Life' in theatres and multiplexes across Karnataka. The bench, led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, expressed strong disapproval of Haasan’s refusal to apologise for his statement that Kannada is derived from Tamil, which sparked widespread protests throughout the state.
The court requested clarification from Kamal Haasan’s counsel on whether the actor intended to apologise and adjourned the matter until 2:30 p.m. It also referred to a similar incident in 1950 when prominent leader C. Rajagopalachari made comparable remarks about the origins of Kannada and subsequently issued an apology following protests, despite having no commercial interest involved. The bench remarked, “If such a big person could apologise after 75 years, and now there is a commercial motive...”
“You want to profit from the people of Karnataka but refuse to apologise. Even I want to watch the movie, but this controversy is preventing that. If you do not want to apologise, why do you want to release it here?” the court questioned.
It further stated, “Cinema is made to earn profits, so why should police provide protection for your mistake? People are demanding an apology. You have admitted making the statement and still refuse to apologise.”
The court emphasised that a simple apology could resolve the matter, asking, “If you are not apologising, why are you releasing the film in Karnataka?”
In response, Kamal Haasan’s counsel maintained that the actor did not intend to insult the Kannada language and made the statement out of affection.
Meanwhile, office-bearers of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and Industries have convened to discuss a possible ban on the release of 'Thug Life' in the state.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President B.Y. Vijayendra weighed in on the controversy, saying, “The state government has taken no stand on this issue. Kamal is a popular actor, and his love for Tamil is understandable, but he cannot insult the Kannada language. It is not too late for him to apologise to the people of Karnataka and rectify his unwise behaviour.”
With IANS inputs
