“Superstar Is Not Above Law”: Karnataka High Court Raps Ranveer Singh in Kantara Remark Case, Grants Interim Relief

How the Controversy Began at IFFI Goa

The case traces back to November 28, 2025, during the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. While praising actor Rishab Shetty’s performance in Kantara Chapter 1, Ranveer Singh allegedly mimicked a scene associated with the sacred daiva tradition of coastal Karnataka. During the act, he reportedly referred to the revered deity as a “female ghost,” triggering objections and social media outrage.

FIR Registered Under BNS Provisions

Following a private complaint, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Bengaluru directed an investigation. Subsequently, the High Grounds Police registered an FIR under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to promoting enmity and hurting religious sentiments. The complaint alleged that the actor’s remarks and mimicry were offensive and insensitive toward a deeply revered regional tradition.

High Court Grants Interim Protection

Hearing Ranveer Singh’s petition, Justice M. Nagaprasanna directed the State not to take coercive steps against the actor until the next hearing. However, the court made it clear that Singh must cooperate fully with the investigation. The interim relief offers temporary protection, but the larger legal question remains open for examination in the upcoming hearing.

“You Can’t Be Loose-Tongued”: Court’s Strong Observations

During the proceedings, the High Court made sharp oral observations regarding the responsibility of public figures. The judge remarked that an actor with significant public influence must exercise restraint while speaking about matters connected to faith. Emphasizing that “superstar is not above law,” the court underlined that apology alone may not erase the impact of words once spoken, especially in the digital age.

Ranveer Singh’s Counsel Admits ‘Recklessness’

Representing the actor, Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya acknowledged before the court that the statement was insensitive. However, he argued that there was no deliberate intention to hurt religious sentiments – a key legal requirement under the relevant BNS provisions. The defense maintained that Singh’s remarks were meant to appreciate Rishab Shetty’s performance, not to insult any deity or community.

Debate Over Intent and Accountability

The court observed that whether the remarks were deliberate or merely reckless would be examined during the proceedings. It noted that even if there was no malicious intent, public personalities must be cautious when addressing culturally sacred subjects. The complainant’s counsel argued that Singh allegedly continued the mimicry despite being cautioned, a claim that may become central to further arguments.

What Lies Ahead in the Kantara Case

The Karnataka High Court has directed the State to file objections before the next hearing, where the legal merits of the FIR and the magistrate’s order will be scrutinized. While Ranveer Singh has publicly apologised on social media, clarifying that he did not intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments, the court’s remarks signal that accountability and intent will be carefully weighed.

For now, the actor has secured temporary relief – but the broader legal and cultural conversation surrounding the Kantara remark continues to unfold.