Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 26: Actor Ranveer Singh on Saturday tendered an unconditional apology before the Karnataka High Court in connection with a controversy over mimicking a character from the film “Kantara: Chapter 1”.

The actor filed a modified affidavit before the court, expressing regret over the incident. Taking the affidavit on record, the court indicated that the matter would be disposed of.

The case was heard by a bench headed by Justice M Nagaprasanna, according to legal reports. Ranveer Singh had approached the court seeking to quash an FIR registered against him following an event held last year, where he allegedly mimicked a character and made objectionable remarks linked to a temple deity.

Representing the actor, senior advocate Sajjan Poovayya informed the court that a fresh affidavit containing an unconditional apology had been submitted. He also said that the actor has undertaken to visit the concerned temple to offer prayers.

On behalf of the complainant, it was submitted that the issue goes beyond a legal dispute and is closely linked to religious faith. The court observed that this aspect was the reason why a stay on the FIR had not been granted earlier.

During the hearing, the court orally remarked that it would record in its order that the actor must visit the temple within four weeks. It also indicated that a warning would be issued.

“We will certainly administer a reprimand,” the court said.

Ranveer Singh’s legal team told the court that the actor respects religious sentiments and, therefore, was not contesting the merits of the case.

Earlier, the High Court had observed that being a public figure does not grant anyone the freedom to hurt religious sentiments and stressed the need for caution while making public statements.

The court is expected to formally dispose of the petition after recording the affidavit and observations.