Sonu Nigam Challenges FIR in HC Over Bengaluru Concert Remarks

Singer Sonu Nigam has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash a criminal case filed against him for allegedly making offensive remarks during a recent concert in Bengaluru. The case was heard on Tuesday by a vacation bench led by Justice Shivashankar Amarannavar, which adjourned the hearing to May 15.

The FIR, registered at Avalahalli police station, was based on a complaint by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and one of its members, Dharma Raj Ananthaiha. It accuses Nigam of hurting the sentiments of Kannadigas during his performance at East Point College on April 25 and 26. The singer has been booked under Sections 351, 352, and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal intimidation, intentional insult intended to provoke breach of peace, and use of words that may cause public disturbance.

The controversy erupted after Nigam allegedly refused to sing in Kannada when requested by the audience, triggering a confrontation during the event. In his complaint, Ananthaiha claimed that Nigam equated the audience's demand with a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, portraying Kannadigas as intolerant and violent. The complaint, filed on May 2, was followed by the FIR on May 3.

The Avalahalli police, currently investigating the matter, have issued a notice to Nigam and asked him to appear for questioning.

In his petition to the High Court, Nigam has requested the quashing of both the complaint and the FIR. He has also sought interim relief by requesting a stay on further proceedings.

Following the backlash, Nigam released a video statement on social media defending his actions. He alleged that a group of young attendees had threatened him while he was singing in Hindi, demanding that he perform in Kannada instead. The singer emphasized that his comments were misinterpreted and reaffirmed his respect and affection for Karnataka and the Kannada-speaking community.