Sonu moves Karnataka HC over Kannada remarks

Singer Sonu Nigam has filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court seeking the quashing of an FIR registered against him for allegedly making offensive remarks about the Kannadiga community.Singer seeks legal relief after FIR in BengaluruAs reported by ANI, the court, after briefly hearing the matter, adjourned the hearing to May 15. The controversy stems from comments made by the ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ singer during a music event in Bengaluru on April 22, which reportedly offended many Kannada-speaking individuals.

Following the incident, a complaint was lodged by Dharmaraj A., President of the Bengaluru Urban District Unit of the pro-Kannada group

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike

, at the Avalahalli police station. The police subsequently registered a case under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 351(2) (criminal intimidation), Section 352(1) (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), and Section 353 (incitement to public mischief).Police summons and public apologyAfter the FIR was filed on May 3, the Bengaluru police issued a notice to Sonu Nigam, asking for a response within seven days. With no reply forthcoming, a second notice followed, summoning the singer for questioning. The case has gained further attention due to a viral video from the April event that allegedly shows Nigam making derogatory remarks.Song removed from Kannada film over rowAmid growing outrage, the producers of the upcoming Kannada film Kuladalli Keelyavudo announced the removal of a song sung by Sonu Nigam. In a press statement, the team said, “There is no doubt that Sonu Nigam is a good singer. But, we are very upset by how he spoke about Kannada recently at a concert. We cannot tolerate the insult Sonu Nigam has done to Kannada, so we have removed the song.”"Sorry Karnataka. My love for you is bigger than my ego”In response to the backlash, Sonu Nigam issued a public apology via social media on May 5. He wrote, "Sorry Karnataka. My love for you is bigger than my ego. Love you always." The singer expressed deep regret, stating that he never intended to hurt anyone and that his affection for Karnataka remains strong.