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The Print
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The Print
Kamal Haasan remarks: Karnataka HC raps actor for refusing to apologise
Haasan's production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, had sought adequate security for the movie's release in the state amid widespread protests and a boycott call by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce following the actor's remark. The KFCC has also demanded that Haasan apologise. The movie will not be released in Karnataka on June 5, the scheduled date for the pan-India release, its producers told the court on Tuesday, following which it postponed the hearing to June 10. Bengaluru, Jun 3 (PTI) Here are some of the observations made by the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday as it rapped the actor-politician Kamal Haasan for refusing to apologise for his 'Kannada was born out of Tamil' remark while hearing a plea seeking protection for release of his movie 'Thug Life' in the state. Observing that a 'single apology (by Haasan) could have resolved the situation,' Justice Nagaprasanna said, 'Freedom of expression cannot be extended to the extent of hurting someone's sentiment, of a mass in particular.' Noting that the actor's recent statement has stirred the hornets' nest and triggered certain unrest in Karnataka among the people, the Judge said it has undermined the sentiment of language attached to the people of the state. 'Language is an emotional and cultural identity of a people,' and stressed that no individual has the right to make comments that undermine the pride of an entire linguistic community, the court observed. Justice Nagaprasanna asked, 'Are you (Kamal Hassan) a historian or a linguist to make such a statement? No language is born out of another. A single apology could have resolved the situation.' 'Jala, Nela, and Bashe (Water, land, and language) are crucial to citizens. The division of this country itself was based on linguistic lines,' he observed. Pointing out that C Rajagopalachari (the then Governor-General of India) made a similar statement about the language 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.' Citing from the petition that Rs 300 crore is spent on the movie Thug Life and after Nayagan this was the first cinema by Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam together, Justice Nagaprasanna said, 'You (Haasan) know the importance (of the movie), but you can't make a statement (of apology)…..you want your film to run smoothly in a state whose sentiments you have hurt. If you are not concerned about it, why do you want it to be run in Karnataka. Leave it.' PTI KSU HIG This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.


India Today
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
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 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 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 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


The South African
25-04-2025
- Business
- The South African
Trade war erupts between SA and Tanzania over…bananas
From midnight on Wednesday, Tanzania authorities imposed an immediate ban on South African apples and other agricultural imports. The move comes after years of frustration over South Africa's alleged refusal to allow Tanzanian bananas into its market. Malawian imports have also been blocked by Tanzania, after it was reported that Malawi blocked Tanzanian flour, rice, ginger, bananas and maize in March. Tanzanian Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe made the announcement in a televised speech, saying South Africa and Malawi had failed to lift what he called 'unfair trade restrictions' on Tanzanian produce. He claimed diplomatic talks had dragged on for five years without results and likened the situation to a similar struggle to gain access for Tanzanian avocados. He claimed the avocado dispute was finally resolved only when Tanzania began to impose reciprocal restrictions. 'We cannot continue to tolerate this unfair treatment,' Bashe said. 'While negotiations are ongoing, we must act in defence of our economic interests.' He has given South Africa and Malawi one week to lift the unspecified trade restrictions. Bashe also posted a video on Twitter (X) showing a pile of rotten bananas in a truck stranded at the border with Malawi, stating it was difficult for Tanzania to tolerate the 'trend'. Bashe added that Tanzanians would not suffer from the absence of South African products such as grapes or apples. Tanzania imports between 30 000 and 40 000 (12.5kg) cartons of apples from South Africa every year. The ban also includes restrictions on humanitarian maize exports to Malawi and fertiliser collections scheduled for the upcoming Malawian planting season. South African agricultural experts and trade groups meanwhile have been caught off guard. According to the Fresh Produce Import Association of South Africa (FPIA), Tanzanian bananas are not currently approved for import because the proper phytosanitary processes, including a pest risk analysis, had not been completed. 'The process is clear, and would involve a pest risk analysis according to International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) standards,' said FPIA general manager, Marianna Theyse. She noted that while neither country has banana Fusarium Wilt TR4—a serious plant disease—its presence in northern Mozambique poses a significant threat. South African banana farmers have declared an oversupply in the local market, with imports coming from Mozambique, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and soon Namibia. The Banana Growers Association of South Africa said they were unaware of any interest from Tanzania in entering the market, and expressed concern about the sudden trade tensions. Agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo noted that Tanzania makes up just 0.4% of South Africa's agricultural imports, with products like tea, tobacco, and coffee—not bananas—being the main exports. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

IOL News
24-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Tanzania bans agriculture imports from South Africa, Malawi
Malawi had recently banned imports of Tanzanian commodities like maize flour, rice, ginger, and bananas, among others, while South Africa has also proscribed the import of bananas shipped by Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has banned the importation of agricultural products from Malawi and South Africa, saying it was retaliation for similar hostile trade measures from both countries. The three countries all belong to a regional economic bloc, the Southern African Development Community, SADC. Tanzania had demanded that both countries rescind bans on imports of agricultural goods from Tanzania by Wednesday, but they had not done so, agriculture minister Hussein Bashe said in a video posted on his X account late on Wednesday. Malawi had recently banned imports of Tanzanian commodities like maize flour, rice, ginger, and bananas, among others, while South Africa has also proscribed the import of bananas shipped by Dar es Salaam. "I would like to officially announce that from this night ... we won't allow any agricultural products from South Africa in our country," Bashe said, adding a similar ban was being imposed on Malawi. Talks to resolve the trade impasse, however, would continue with both countries, he said. He said Tanzania will start prohibiting the transit of agricultural goods from other countries through its territory to land-locked Malawi, and will also ban the export of Tanzanian fertilizer to Malawi. "We are taking this measure to protect our business. This is business, and we should all respect each other," Bashe said. REUTERS

TimesLIVE
24-04-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Tanzania bans agriculture imports from South Africa and Malawi
Tanzania has banned the importation of agricultural products from Malawi and South Africa, saying it was retaliation for similar hostile trade measures from both countries. The three countries all belong to a regional economic bloc, the Southern African Development Community (Sadc). Tanzania had demanded that both countries rescind bans on imports of agricultural goods from Tanzania by Wednesday, but they had not done so, agriculture minister Hussein Bashe said in a video posted on his X account late on Wednesday. Malawi had recently banned imports of Tanzanian commodities like maize flour, rice, ginger and bananas, among others, while South Africa has also proscribed the import of bananas shipped by Dar es Salaam. "I would like to officially announce that from this night ... we won't allow any agricultural products from South Africa in our country," Bashe said, adding a similar ban was being imposed on Malawi.