Singer Sonu Nigam moves Karnataka High Court seeking quashing of criminal case over Kannada remark

The controversy erupted following Nigam’s appearance at a music concert held on April 22 in Bengaluru. A video clip of his remarks from the stage began circulating on social media, sparking outrage from several Kannada groups who accused him of insulting the local community.

In response to public outcry, a complaint was filed by Dharmaraj A., the Bengaluru Urban District President of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a prominent pro-Kannada organisation. The complaint, lodged at the Avalahalli Police Station, led to an FIR being registered against Nigam on May 3.

The singer faces charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including, Section 351(2) – Criminal intimidation, Section 352(1) – Intentional insult to provoke breach of peace, and Section 353 – Incitement to public mischief.