Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday came down heavily on actor Kamal Haasan for his recent controversial statement that “Kannada was born out of Tamil,” observing that the comment has hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas and asking whether Haasan was a historian or a linguist to make such a claim.
Hearing a plea filed by Raajkamal Films International — co-producers of Haasan’s upcoming Tamil film Thug Life — Justice M Nagaprasanna remarked that the actor’s statement had led to disharmony in the State, and said an apology from Haasan would have resolved the matter.
“No citizen has the right to hurt sentiments. Jala (water), Nela (land), Bashe (language) — these three things are important to citizens. Language is a sentiment attached to a particular people. You have said something to undermine that,” Justice Nagaprasanna observed during the proceedings.
The judge further questioned the basis for Haasan’s statement, saying: “If a public figure makes a statement like this — no language can be born out of another. Where is the material? What has happened — disharmony. And what have people of Karnataka asked? An apology. The circumstances were created by Kamal Haasan, and he has said he won’t apologise?”
The Court was hearing a petition moved by Raajkamal Films International seeking protection and directions to ensure smooth screening of Thug Life in Karnataka. The plea came after the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced a boycott of the film in response to Haasan’s remarks made at a promotional event in Chennai.
The petitioner contended that the actor’s comments had been misquoted and taken out of context, and were actually made in a spirit of camaraderie while addressing Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar. Senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, appearing for the production house, said Haasan had always expressed admiration for Kannada and that his statement was not intended to offend.
However, the Court was not convinced, stating, “Now you are here for commercial interest, that police should protect for a situation created by you! One apology would have solved everything.”
The Court noted that while it would examine the legal aspects of the petition, it urged Haasan to reflect on his position.
“You want to earn some crores from Karnataka also. You (Kamal Haasan) are not an ordinary man … Even ordinary people are facing cases for these kinds of statements. You admit your statement and say that you will not apologise. Why do you want the film to run in Karnataka then? Leave it,” the Court remarked.
Stating that freedom of expression could not be stretched to the extent of hurting public sentiment, the judge said the matter would be heard again at 2.30 pm, and an order would be passed as per the law. “We will pass an order on whether he is entitled to protection or not … Think about it. Use your good office to advise the petitioner,” Justice Nagaprasanna said.
