The flamboyant Bollywood star Ranveer Singh has approached the Karnataka High Court in a bid to quash a First Information Report (FIR) filed against him in Bengaluru. The legal dispute stems from allegations that the actor insulted the sacred cultural traditions of coastal Karnataka and wounded the religious sentiments of the Hindu community during a high-profile film festival.
The Origins of the Dispute
The controversy dates back to the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held in Goa on 28 November 2025. During a stage performance intended to celebrate the cinematic success of Kantara 2, Singh reportedly mimicked the ritualistic expressions of the Panjurli and Guliga deities—spirits that are central to the Daiva Aradhane (spirit worship) tradition.
The complainant, Bengaluru-based advocate Prashanth Methal, alleged that the actor’s portrayal was not a tribute but a mockery. The legal grievance particularly highlights Singh’s purported description of the Chavundi Daiva—a revered symbol of divine feminine power and protection—as a “lady ghost.” In the cultural context of coastal Karnataka (Tulu Nadu), these entities are considered sacred guardians, and referring to them as mere “ghosts” is viewed as a grave desecration.
Legal Timeline and Charges
The legal machinery was set in motion after Methal viewed a recording of the performance on Instagram. Following an initial private complaint, the court directed the police to register a formal case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the modern successor to the Indian Penal Code.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| IFFI Performance in Goa | 28 November 2025 |
| Initial Complaint Lodged | 2 December 2025 |
| Formal FIR Registered | 23 January 2026 |
| Upcoming Magistrate Hearing | 8 April 2026 |
| High Court Quashing Petition | Currently Pending |
Statutory Framework of the Allegations
The case has been registered under several stringent sections of the BNS, reflecting the serious nature of the accusations:
Section 196: Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion or race.
Section 299: Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
Section 302: Uttering words with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person.
The Defence and the Road Ahead
Ranveer Singh’s legal team is expected to argue that the performance was an artistic expression meant to celebrate the film’s success and had no malicious intent to offend. By petitioning the Karnataka High Court, the actor hopes to halt the proceedings before the First Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate.
As the 8 April hearing approaches, the case has reignited a nationwide debate regarding the boundaries of artistic freedom and the sensitivity required when portraying indigenous folk traditions on a global stage.
