Are You Historian? Apologise If You Want To Release Thug Life: Karnataka HC Slams Kamal Haasan

Karnataka High Court on Tuesday slammed actor Kamal Haasan over his controversial statement, "Kannada was born out of Tamil", which has put the release of his movie Thug Life in trouble.

Hearing a petition filed by Raaj Kamal International seeking a direction to authorities not to take any measures to prevent the release of his movie Thug Life in the state, the High Court indicated that the superstar status does not give the authority to hurt the sentiments of the masses.

What Karnataka High Court Said?

Kamal's legal counsel, advocate Dhyan Chinnappa informed the court that his statement cannot be taken out of the context, and a superstar (Shivaraj Kumar) was also present at the event, according to Live Law.

The Karnataka HC said, "If it is a reply of apology, we will take it. There is no apology in it. You may be Kamal Hassan or anybody, you cannot hurtthe sentiments of the masses." It noted that the division of this country is on linguistic lines and a public figure cannot make such a statement.

"What has happened because of it is unrest, disharmony. People of Karnataka only asked apology. Now you come here seeking protection. On what basis have you made the statement, are you a historian, linguist. On what basis did you speak," it said.

The Karnataka court mentioned a similar statement made by C Rajagopalachari, the last Governor-General of India, and he was forced to apologise. It said, "Now you are seeking protection for the release of your film. An apology would have done."

Highlighting the emotional significance of language, the court stressed that public figures bear a greater responsibility for their words. "Language is a sentiment attached to the people. You are not an ordinary man, you are a public figure. People writing on social media are also being investigated," the court said.

While Chinnappa urged the court to consider the context of the statement and view the video, the High Court remained firm. "Fundamental right of speech and expression cannot be stretched to hurt sentiments of masses," it asserted.

The High Court questioned Haasan's stance, asking, "You made a statement and you can withdraw it. Are you standing on the statement?" When Chinnappa stated it was not for him to comment and that the producer was before the court, the High Court pointed out that Kamal Haasan himself was the producer.

'You Know What To Do When Mistakes Happen'

The court suggested that the situation, largely created by the actor's statement, could be remedied by an apology. "Discretion is the best part of valour, we will not permit anybody's sentiments to be taken for a ride. Mistakes happen you must know what to do when mistakes happen. You say crores are spent, then leave Karnataka," the court observed.

When Chinnappa argued that some people's right to watch the film was being curtailed, the court retorted, "Let them come before the court, that I want to watch Thug Life."

The High Court acknowledged that a "slip of tongue" could happen but emphasized that while spoken words cannot be taken back, an apology can always be offered. "You cannot unscramble a scrambled egg," it said.

The court will pass the verdict at 2.30 pm today.

The controversy was triggered after the actor made controversial comments that "Kannada was born out of Tamil". He has repeatedly refused to give an apology despite pro-Kannada groups demanding the actor to give an apology in order to release 'Thug Life' in Karnataka.