‘No Citizen Has Right To Hurt Sentiments’: Karnataka HC Seeks Evidence From Kamal Haasan Amid Language Row

Karnataka High Court was hearing a petition related to the demand for a ban on the screening of Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film 'Thug Life', following backlash over his recent comments.

The court further emphasised the importance of accountability in public speech.

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The Karnataka High Court has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding actor-politician Kamal Haasan, emphasising that no citizen has the right to hurt public sentiments, particularly on sensitive cultural issues like language. The court was hearing a petition related to the demand for a ban on the screening of Haasan’s upcoming film 'Thug Life', following backlash over his recent comments.

The dispute arose from Haasan's remark that “Kannada was born out of Tamil”, which many in Karnataka have found offensive.

'Are You A Historian Or Linguist?' 

During Monday’s proceedings, the bench questioned whether Haasan had issued any public apology for his statement, which has triggered widespread criticism and protests.

Justice Nagaprasanna remarked, "Are you a historian or a linguist to make such a statement? No language is born out of another. A single apology could have resolved the situation."

Referring to the cultural importance of Jala (water), Nila (land), and Bashe (language), the court asked for substantiating evidence to support Haasan’s linguistic claim. “Where is the material?” the judge remarked, quoting Live Law.

Pointing out that C Rajagopalachari made a similar statement but apologised for it, he said, "....If Rajagopalachari could tender a public apology 75 years ago, why can't you (Kamal Haasan)? For your commercial interest, you have approached this court seeking police protection for a situation created by you," the judge said, as per a report on PTI.

“You want to earn crores from Karnataka, but you won’t apologise? Even ordinary citizens face legal consequences for such remarks. What makes you different?” Justice Nagaprasanna asked.

The court further emphasised the importance of accountability in public speech. “You cannot unscramble a scrambled egg,” the judge said stating that words once spoken cannot be taken back.