Karnataka High Court Bars Coercive Action Against Singer Sonu Nigam in Alleged Insult Case; Allows Video Conference Appearance
Bengaluru, May 15, 2025 | Literal Law
The Karnataka High Court on Thursday directed that no coercive action shall be taken against playback singer Sonu Nigam, in connection with a criminal case alleging that he made insulting remarks against the Kannadiga community during a concert held in April 2025. The interim relief is contingent upon Nigam’s full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation.
Justice Shivashankar Amarannavar, while hearing Nigam’s plea seeking quashing of the FIR, passed the order after the State submitted that it does not intend to arrest or take coercive measures against the singer at this stage, provided that he cooperates with the investigative process.
“Till the next date of hearing, filing of final report is stayed. There shall not be any coercive steps (provided Nigam cooperates with the investigation),” the Court ordered.
Court Relieves Nigam from Physical Appearance in Karnataka
In a significant relief to the singer, the High Court also permitted exemption from physical appearance in Karnataka for recording his statement, if required by police authorities. The Court allowed Nigam to record his statement via video conferencing, and directed that in case his physical presence is deemed necessary, investigating officers may visit his residence, with the expenses to be borne by Nigam.
Nigam’s counsel, Advocate Dhananjay Vidyapati, had sought this exemption citing the celebrity status of his client. He argued that any physical appearance would create undue media attention and disruption. The State, however, objected, contending that celebrity status should not warrant “premium treatment.”
“It cannot be that some people are given a premium,” the State’s counsel submitted.
The Court, however, responded: “Petitioner is not an ordinary person,” and eventually granted the exemption.
Case Background
The controversy stems from an incident during a live performance at East Point College of Engineering and Technology, where audience members requested Nigam to sing in Kannada. Nigam allegedly refused and criticised the tone of the request, saying:
“This is the reason Pahalgam happened.”
The remark, referencing the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians were killed, was perceived by many as an offensive comparison, prompting public backlash.
On May 2, 2025, TA Dharmaraj, district president of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Narayana Gowda faction), filed a criminal complaint. The Avalahalli Police Station registered a case the following day under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) for:
- Section 351(2) – Criminal intimidation,
- Section 352(1) – Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace,
- Section 353 – Statements conducing to public mischief.
Legal Arguments
Nigam’s counsel contended that the complaint was motivated by publicity and the concert concluded peacefully, with no disruption. He also noted that Nigam had since issued public apologies and clarified his respect for the Kannada-speaking community.
The State opposed the plea to quash, arguing that the singer had shown insufficient cooperation with the police, and that his statements had potential to incite unrest.
“A person who does not respect due process of law cannot be given benefit of Section 482 CrPC,” the State submitted.
The case will now be heard on the next date as scheduled by the High Court.
