Are you a historian? High Court blasts Kamal Haasan for Kannada remark
The Karnataka High Court heavily criticised actor Kamal Haasan 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 questioned Haasan's refusal to apologise for the statement, observing that it had hurt public sentiment. 'No citizen has the right to hurt sentiments,' the judge said, adding, 'Water, land and language — Jala, Nila, Bashe — are important to citizens. The division of this country was on linguistic lines.'advertisementHaasan's petition came after widespread backlash over his recent controversial remark, 'Kannada was born out of Tamil'. The comment sparked criticism from political leaders and protests by pro-Kannada groups across Karnataka.
The judge criticised the actor's stance and remark questioning his responsibility as a public figure. 'No language can be born out of another. Where is the material to support this (claim)? And what has happened? Disharmony. And what have the people of Karnataka asked? (Only) an apology.'Justice Nagaprasanna also questioned Haasan's claim. 'The circumstances were created by Kamal Haasan, and he has said he will not apologise? You have undermined the sentiment of the people of Karnataka ... On what basis? Are you a historian? Or a linguist?'Appearing for the petitioner and representing the film's producer, senior advocate Dhyan Chinappa submitted that the actor's statement could be viewed by the court just once, and added that it was not intended to offend or that it was not so drastically wrong.advertisementTo this, Justice Nagaprasanna responded strongly: '(If you won't apologise) Why do you want the film to run in Karnataka? Leave it. Freedom of expression cannot be stretched to hurting sentiments of a mass. You apologise, then no problem. You want to earn some crores from Karnataka also.'The court also questioned the actor's decision to seek protection from the police despite having caused the unrest. 'Now you are here for a commercial interest, that police should protect for a situation created by you! One apology would have solved everything. In law, we will consider. But look at the attitude!'The court also observed that Haasan could have issued a clarification, saying, 'I have made a statement without looking into the history.' Recalling a similar incident, the judge said, 'Rajagopal Acharya had apologised for a similar statement decades ago. Language is a sentiment attached to people. You have said something to undermine that.'The High Court made these observations while hearing the petition, but is yet to issue a ruling on the petition, although has asked Haasan to consider apologising. The hearing was adjourned to 2.30 pm.Reacting to the court's observations, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister said, 'Hope Kamal listens to the court. But we also shouldn't be too adamant.'
IN THIS STORY#Karnataka#Tamil Nadu
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