The Karnataka High Court has stood strongly against actor Kamal Haasan for his recent remark indicating that the Kannada language had originated from Tamil. The court asked him how he could make such a statement, whether he was a historian or a linguist, and pointed out that no person, irrespective of their standing, has any right to offend the sentiments of a whole community.
This row ensued after Kamal Haasan’s comment at a promotion event in Bengaluru for his upcoming movie Thug Life, releasing on June 5. His comment triggered a general public outcry among the Kannada-speaking community and pro-Kannada elements and demanded an official apology immediately. Kamal Haasan refused to withdraw or apologize for what he had said, which continued to fuel the furore.
The crisis mounted with Kannada activists promising a boycott and blocking the Karnataka release of Thug Life. In search of legal protection, Kamal Haasan turned to the Karnataka High Court, asking it to provide safeguards to allow the film’s unhindered release in the state. However, the court was not sympathetic.
The bench strongly disapproved of Kamal Haasan’s strategy, saying, “Instead of owning up and soothing the injured sentiments of the people, you are seeking protection. If peace can be achieved through a simple apology, then why not extend it?” The court also cautioned that such polarizing utterances made by public officials have the potential to upset social harmony and may inflame unrest.
The court also highlighted that 75 years back, a similar comment given by scholar Rajagopalachari resulted in a public apology. “Why should it be any different now?” the court interrogated, ordering Kamal to tender an apology to the people of Karnataka.
Kamal’s lawyers had claimed that his statement had been misunderstood, but the court refused to accept the explanation. Hearings on both sides, the High Court made it clear: Kamal Haasan has to apologize to Kannadigas for his comment about their language.