Will visit Chamundi Hills and apologise: Ranveer Singh to Karnataka High Court for comments on Kantara deity

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh tendered unconditional apology before the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday for his remarks about the depiction of deity Chamundi Devi in the film Kantara..Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Singh, agreed to file an affidavit of apology and visit the temple of deity Chamundi in Mysore's Chamundi Hills.Justice M Nagaprasanna said that what Singh said was not correct."What Ranveer has done is not right. It is not supported," the judge said. The Court eventually posted the case for further consideration on April 10..The case concerns a speech made by Singh at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. In his speech, Singh praised actor Rishab Shetty and referred to his performance in Kantara: Chapter 1. While appreciating Shetty’s acting, Singh referred to Chamundi deity as a “female ghost” and mimicked Shetty’s performance, following which controversy erupted on social media.Subsequently, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate at Bengaluru passed an order investigation under Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 (magistrate investigation).Pursuant to the order, the High Grounds Police Station registered an FIR naming Singh for offences under Sections 196 (religious enmity), 299 (religious insult) and 302 (public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Singh moved the Court contending that his remarks were taken out of context and that there was no intention to hurt any religion or community.He added that he also issued an unconditional apology on social media, clarifying that his comments were meant only to appreciate Shetty’s performance and that he respects all cultures and traditions.It was further contended that the essential ingredients of the alleged offences were not made out in this case, since there was no malicious intent on Singh's part or incitement to violence or attempt to create disharmony between communities.The complainant, represented by advocate Siji Malayil, sought oral apology from the actor as the earlier's apology was tweeted on X by his managers and did not appear to be genuine. .The next hearing in the case will be on April 10. Senior Advocate Sajjan Poovaiya, for Ranveer Singh, was instructed by Anand and Naik, Ameet Naik and Madhu Gadodia.