Karnataka High Court Admonishes Kamal Haasan Over Kannada-Tamil Language Controversy
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday reprimanded actor-politician Kamal Haasan for his controversial remark claiming Kannada originated from Tamil, stressing that language is deeply tied to people’s sentiments and public figures must exercise caution in such statements.
The court questioned Haasan sharply, asking whether he spoke as a historian or linguist, and emphasized that a public figure cannot make remarks that hurt the feelings of a community. “The division of this country is on linguistic lines. The people of Karnataka only asked for an apology. Now you come here seeking protection,” the court stated, as reported by Live Law.
The row escalated after the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced a boycott of Haasan’s upcoming film Thug Life, scheduled for release on June 5, until the actor issues a public apology. Haasan approached the court seeking intervention to ensure the film’s smooth release and adequate security at theatres.
Senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, representing Haasan, argued that the film’s release cannot be stopped. However, the court pressed whether Haasan had apologized for his remarks, underscoring, “You may be Kamal Haasan or anybody, you cannot hurt the sentiments of the masses.”
The court reminded the actor-politician of his public stature and clarified that the right to free speech does not extend to hurting public sentiment. It urged Haasan to apologize, stating, “You want to earn from here… The situation was created by you and can be redeemed by you.”
“Words once spoken cannot be taken back, but an apology can be made. You cannot unscramble a scrambled egg,” the court added.
The KFCC president M. Narasimhalu reiterated the call for an apology, asserting the film will not be screened in Karnataka without it. “This is not just about the film industry; it’s about language and state pride,” he said.
Kamal Haasan defended his comments as rooted in cultural appreciation and stated he would not apologize, famously saying, “Love will never apologise.”
The controversy highlights the sensitive nature of linguistic identity in Karnataka and the fine line public figures must tread in their remarks.
