The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday criticized actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan for his recent remarks, stating that “Kannada had come out of Tamil”, and said “an apology could have resolved the situation.”
Justice M Nagprasanna, who is presiding over the hearing, said that the statement has hurt the sentiments of the people of Karnataka and questioned Hassan’s refusal to apologize.
The court said, “Language people have emotional and cultural identity” and emphasized that no person has the right to comment that weakens the pride of the entire linguistic community.
Justice Nagprasanna commented, “Are you a historian or linguist who are making such a statement? No language is born from any other language. Demanding an apology could have solved the situation.”
The comment made by Hassan in the promotional program of his upcoming Tamil film ‘Thug Life’ in Chennai was strongly opposed in Karnataka, after which the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced that the film would not be shown in the state until Haasan apologizes.
In response, Hassan co-established production company Rajkamal Films International filed a petition in the High Court demanding security for the film’s release.
Emphasizing the emotional and cultural significance of some elements for the people, Justice Nagprasanna said, “No citizen has the right to hurt emotions. Water, land and language – water – water, Nela, Bashe are important for citizens. This country was divided on linguistic basis.”
He said that C Rajagopalachari had also made a similar statement, but he had apologized for this. He said, “If Rajagopalachari could publicly apologize 75 years ago, why can’t you (Kamal Haasan) ask for your business interest for your business interest demanding police protection for the situation that has created this court.”
The petitioner argued that Haasan’s comment was quoted out of the context and its purpose was not to hurt anyone.
According to the petition, the statement was given while addressing the Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar, who later defended Hassan, saying that he had always talked positively about Kannada and Karnataka.
Senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, who is representing the production house, told the court that the comment was not “very wrong” and urged the court to allow the film’s release.
The production company also requested that the authorities be instructed to prevent any disruption in the film’s performance and provide security for artists, crew, exhibitors and audiences.
However, the judge expressed concern over the petitioner’s attitude. Justice Nagprasanna asked, “You want to earn crores from Karnataka, but you will not apologize? Common citizens also have to face legal consequences for such comments. What is the difference between you?”
The court said that it would pass the order as per the law, but suggested that Hassan should consider apologizing to calm the situation.
The hearing was adjourned till 2.30 pm. The judge said, “You have created unrest with your statement. Consider this. If you still want to maintain it, we will decide accordingly.”
