Karnataka HC grants interim relief to actor in local deity mockery row; warns, ‘You could be Ranveer Singh or anyone...'

On February 24, 2023, the Karnataka High Court provided interim relief to Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh amid controversy surrounding his comments about a local deity in the film 'Kantara: Chapter 1.' The court intervened following an FIR filed against Singh, which accused him of making derogatory remarks that offended religious sentiments. The High Court's decision prohibits the state from taking any coercive actions against the actor while the case is under consideration. In its ruling, the court emphasized the need for caution in such matters, suggesting that anyone, regardless of their status—like Ranveer Singh—could find themselves in legal trouble if not careful with their words. This case highlights the ongoing tensions in India regarding freedom of expression and religious sentiments, particularly in the film industry, where depictions of deities can provoke significant public backlash. The outcome of this case could set important precedents for how artists navigate cultural sensitivities in their work.