Singer Sonu Nigam Moves Karnataka HC To Quash FIR For Allegedly Hurting Sentiments Of Kannadiga Community During Music Concert

A vacation bench of single Judge Shivashankar Amarannavar heard the matter on Tuesday (May 13) and posted it for hearing on May 15. Nigam has been charged under BNS Sections 351(2)(criminal intimidation),352(1) (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace),353 (Statements conducing to public mischief).

The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada organisation had filed the complaint at the Avalahalli Police Station, alleging that Nigam's statements have hurt the sentiments of the Kannadiga community.

It was claimed that the singer's statements have caused severe distress to the Kannadiga community. It was claimed that by equating a simple request to sing a Kannada song with the Pahalgam terrorist attack, has portrayed Kannadigas as intolerant or violent, which is contrary to their peace-loving and harmonious nature.

The plea seeks to quash the complaint dated 02.05.2025 filed by the respondent no.2 (Dharma Raj Ananthaiha) and quash the FIR dated 03.05.2025 registered by the police. By way of interim relief he has sought to stay all further investigation in offence.

Later in a video message posted on social media he had clarified the incident at the concert and defended himself.

Case Title: Sonu Nigam AND State of Karnataka

Case No: Criminal Petition 6616/2025