‘No Citizen Has Right To Hurt Sentiments’: Karnataka HC Seeks Evidence From Kamal Haasan Amid Language Row
The Karnataka High Court has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding actor-politician Kamal Haasan, emphasising that no citizen has the right to hurt public sentiments, particularly on sensitive cultural issues like language. The court was hearing a petition related to the demand for a ban on the screening of Haasan’s upcoming film ‘Thug Life’, following backlash over his recent comments.
The dispute arose from Haasan’s remark that “Kannada was born out of Tamil”, which many in Karnataka have found offensive.
During Monday’s proceedings, the bench questioned whether Haasan had issued any public apology for his statement, which has triggered widespread criticism and protests.
Referring to the cultural importance of Jala (water), Nila (land), and Bashe (language), the court asked for substantiating evidence to support Haasan’s linguistic claim. “Where is the material?” the judge remarked, quoting Live Law.
The court further emphasised the importance of accountability in public speech. “You cannot unscramble a scrambled egg,” the judge said stating that words once spoken cannot be taken back.
