The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday slammed actor Kamal Haasan for his controversial statement claiming that "Kannada was born out of Tamil."
"We will not permit anybody to take anybody's sentiments for a ride," the court orally observed as it questioned Haasan’s refusal to apologise for the remark, stating that a single apology could have resolved the issue.
The remarks came while hearing a petition filed by him seeking directions to ensure the release and screening of his upcoming film Thug Life in the state.
Justice M Nagaprasanna said that the actor should have been aware of the situation while making statements that led to disharmony and unrest.
"Now you want police protection to run your movie smoothly for the situation you created, saying that you have invested Rs 300 crore. If you don't want to apologise, why do you want to release the movie in the state?" the judge asked.
The counsel for Kamal Hassan played the video of the statement to clarify that the statement was not intentional, however, the court was not convinced.
The court orally said that no citizen would tolerate if sentiments of 'Nela, Jala and Bhashe' (land, water & language) are hurt.
The judge expressed concern over Haasan’s responsibilities as a public figure, saying, “You may be Kamal Haasan or anybody, you cannot hurt the sentiments of the masses".
The court also refused to accept the letter written by Kamal to KFCC since he didn't apologise in it.
"The division of this country is on linguistic lines. A public figure cannot make such a statement. What has happened because of it? Unrest, disharmony.
"Pointing out that C Rajagopalachari, then Governor-General of India, made a similar statement but apologised for it," the judge said.
"If Rajagopalachari could tender a public apology 75 years ago, why can't you (Kamal Haasan)? For your commercial interest, you have approached this court seeking police protection for a situation created by you."
"People of Karnataka only asked for an apology. Now you come here seeking protection. On what basis have you made the statement? Are you a historian, a linguist?” the judge went on to ask.
The Tamil star's remark had sparked widespread protests and demands for an apology. However, the actor has remained firm, stating, “If I am wrong, I will apologise. If I am not, then I won’t.”
The Karnataka Film Chamber has since warned that Thug Life will not be released in the state unless Haasan issues an apology, prompting the actor to approach the High Court seeking protection to ensure the film’s release without disruption.
The controversy was triggered when Haassan told Kannada film actor Shiva Rajkumar that "your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil".
Haasan made the statement during the audio launch of his upcoming film Thug Life in Chennai.
The release of Thug Life in Karnataka High Court has been deferred for now.