Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 15: The Karnataka High Court has provided interim relief to singer Sonu Nigam amid the controversy over his recent remarks involving the Kannada language. The court noted that the state government has assured it will not take any coercive action against Nigam as long as he cooperates with the ongoing investigation.

Nigam had approached the court seeking to quash the FIRs registered against him following comments he made during a concert in Bengaluru last month. At the event, he recounted being rudely confronted by a young audience member who demanded he sing in Kannada. While defending his love for the language and his career contributions to Kannada music, Nigam drew a controversial parallel to the Pahalgam terror attack, implying that aggressive behavior of such nature breeds hostility.

The remarks sparked intense backlash across Karnataka. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce announced a non-cooperation campaign against the singer, vowing to maintain it until he issued a formal apology. A complaint filed by pro-Kannada group leader Dharmaraj A led to an FIR, citing charges of incitement and hurting community sentiments.

Police officials stated that Nigam’s Pahalgam comparison was seen as inflammatory and unrelated to the context, provoking emotional outrage among Kannadigas. In response to the escalating tensions, Nigam later issued an apology on social media, saying, “Sorry Karnataka. My love for you is bigger than my ego. Love you always.”

In a previous statement, the 51-year-old singer defended his position, stressing that he would not tolerate being humiliated, especially in a state and language he deeply respects and has long worked in.