Karnataka High Court Halts Coercive Action Against Ranveer Singh In Kantara Mimicry Row

The Karnataka High Court has halted any coercive action against Ranveer Singh, yet strongly criticised the actor for allegedly offending religious sentiments during a Kantara: Chapter 1 mimicry act at the 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa. Hearing a plea to quash the FIR, the court reminded that public personalities hold significant influence and must show restraint while speaking on public platforms.

During the hearing on 24 February 2026, Justice M Nagaprasanna made pointed remarks in open court while addressing Ranveer Singh’s conduct at the IFFI stage event. The judge said, "You being actor have influence on so many people. When you have that you shud be responsible. You may mimic you may do anything. You have no right to hurt anyones religious sentiments. You cant be loose tongue at all. You may be Ranveer Singh, you may be anybody."

Karnataka High Court Ranveer Singh Kantara mimicry row: judicial observations

Justice M Nagaprasanna expanded on these concerns, stressing the long reach of online content and religious sensitivity. The judge observed, "I may forget you may forget internet never forgets...when actor go on stages and try to do all this. You have to exercise caution religious sentiment of the people should be respected...you speaking of a deity, mimicking of a deity. But standing on a stage you cannot take it so lightly...sentiments of people of State cannot be taken on ride by anybody. You have definitely hurt the sentiments." The court then added, "I'm not saying it is deliberate statement. It is gross ignorance. It is a sacred act of the region."

The case arises from a complaint that Ranveer Singh, while performing at IFFI in Goa, mimicked a character linked to a deity portrayed in Kantara: Chapter 1, allegedly insulting religious practices followed in parts of Karnataka. The FIR was registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, dealing with promotion of enmity and causing hurt to religious feelings.

Karnataka High Court Ranveer Singh Kantara mimicry row: arguments in court

Senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Ranveer Singh, acknowledged before the bench that the comments at the festival appearance were objectionable. Poovayya described the remarks as "completely insensitive" and told the court that Ranveer Singh was prepared to address any distress caused. The bench indicated that questions about the actor’s intent would be examined during the later stages of the proceedings.

Ranveer Singh’s counsel also challenged the basis of the FIR, contending that it stemmed from a very short judicial order directing investigation. Referring to that order, counsel submitted, "It is one line order. It says its a fit case of investigation...your lordships have held that careless statements do not mean deliberate under BNS." The defence argued that this distinction between careless and deliberate speech should be central to assessing criminal liability under BNS provisions.

Karnataka High Court Ranveer Singh Kantara mimicry row: complaint details

Lawyers for the complainant highlighted Ranveer Singh’s personal connection with Karnataka, pointing out that Deepika Padukone is from the state, and argued that the actor should therefore have been aware of local religious practices. They further claimed that organisers or others at the event asked Ranveer Singh to stop the mimicry, yet the act allegedly continued. Responding to these submissions, Justice M Nagaprasanna remarked that the actor "should have been very very careful".

The Karnataka High Court also reflected on the nature of online content and its lasting trace. The bench cautioned, "Words may be withdrawn, but content on the internet cannot be taken back," and stressed that "one should not attack public sentiments." The judge linked this warning to the role of celebrities, stating that actors on public stages must remember that digital recordings and clips can circulate long after an event ends.

Key case information shared in court is summarised below.

The hearing ended with the Karnataka High Court granting Ranveer Singh interim protection and adjourning the matter to next Monday. Until the next date, no coercive steps can be taken against the actor under the FIR. At the same time, the judge’s remarks underscored that influential figures, especially in cinema, are expected to respect religious practices and avoid comments that could inflame public sentiment.