Sonu Nigam Faces Legal Action Over Kannada Remark Controversy

The Karnataka police requested popular singer Sonu Nigam to appear for questioning regarding his controversial remarks from his recent performance at Bengaluru. During his public show, the artist made statements that equated Kannada song requests to the Pahalgam terror attack, leading to extensive anger across Karnataka.

Dharmaraj A, the Bengaluru City District president of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike filed an official complaint to Avalahalli police leading to the registration of an FIR against Nigam for criminal intimidation and intentional insult provoking breach of peace under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

When East Point College’s musical event concluded the audience member shouted “Kannada, Kannada” to request a local song. Statewide Kannada organizations reacted with fury towards Nigam after he declared Kannada song requests similar to attacks by terrorists. The president of Raita Karmika Okkuta filed a second complaint in Chitradurga, threatening to protest unless Nigam apologizes before entering Karnataka.

The singer released an official statement to defend his stand while maintaining respect for Kannada traditions. Nigam stated in his open letter that he holds Kannada songs in higher regard than songs in other languages while accusing disruptive people of causing chaos at his show. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that court actions against the singer will move forward despite the vocalist giving his side of the story.