'No coercive action': Karnataka HC protects Sonu Nigam in controversial remarks case

The Karnataka High Court has granted interim relief to singer Sonu Nigam in a case related to his alleged comments comparing Kannadigas to Pahalgam terror attackers. The court has directed that no coercive action be taken against the artist at this stage, while instructing him to cooperate fully with the ongoing police investigation.

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The relief comes in response to a petition filed by Nigam on May 14, seeking the quashing of an FIR registered at the Avalahalli police station in Bengaluru Rural district. The FIR was reportedly based on media coverage and a third-party complaint, which claimed that Nigam’s remarks during a concert in Bengaluru had hurt the sentiments of the Kannada-speaking community.

The case was heard by a vacation bench led by Justice Shivashankar Amarannavar, who has now adjourned the matter to May 15. Nigam’s legal team maintained that the comment was not intended to offend, and noted that the singer had already issued a public apology.

Government counsel, however, opposed the plea, highlighting that the controversial remarks were made at a public concert held on April 25–26 at East Point College of Engineering and Technology, and had gained widespread media attention. Nigam’s absence from the inquiry proceedings was cited as grounds for continuing legal action.

The court’s interim protection provides temporary relief amid growing public and legal scrutiny.