Sonu Nigam: Relief from Karnataka High Court to Sonu Nigam

Bollywood playback singer Sonu Nigam has been granted interim relief by the Karnataka High Court in connection with an FIR filed against him following a controversial comment made during a live music event in Bengaluru.

The controversy erupted when some attendees at the concert allegedly demanded that Nigam sing in Kannada. The singer later stated that the tone of the individuals involved was aggressive and threatening, not simply a request for a Kannada song. Addressing the audience from the stage, Nigam had remarked, “This is the reason behind what happened in Pahalgam,” a comment that subsequently led to a police complaint and an FIR being filed in Bengaluru.

Following the FIR, Sonu Nigam approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to have the case quashed. In its recent ruling, the court has directed that no coercive action be taken against the singer until the next hearing. It has also permitted the investigating officer to record Nigam’s statement via video conferencing if required.

During the hearing, Nigam's counsel, advocate Dhananjay Vidyapati, argued that the complaint was frivolous and filed merely for publicity. He maintained that the charges under Section 505 of the Indian Penal Code, related to public mischief, were not applicable in this context. Vidyapati also emphasized that the concert proceeded smoothly and that the complainant was not a direct participant but a third party.

The case has sparked a debate on artistic freedom and regional sensitivities, with supporters of the singer calling the FIR an overreaction. The matter is now scheduled for further hearing, and the court's interim order has offered temporary respite to the singer.