Latest news with #Nagaprasanna
Hindustan Times
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
SC declines Karnataka theatre body's plea for protection to screen ‘Thug Life'
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea by a Karnataka theatre association seeking an immediate hearing and protection to screen actor Kamal Haasan's film Thug Life, which has not been released in the state following a controversy over the actor's remarks on the Kannada language. A bench of justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan declined to intervene, asking the association to approach the high court instead. 'Install fire extinguishers,' remarked the bench, after the lawyer claimed 'fringe elements' in Karnataka had threatened to set theatres on fire if the film was screened. The controversy originates from a comment made by Haasan at the audio launch of Thug Life in Chennai on May 24, where he reportedly said Kannada was 'born out of Tamil,' sparking widespread backlash in Karnataka. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) responded by barring the film's screening in the state and demanding an apology. Last week, Haasan's counsel informed the Karnataka high court that the actor and his production house, Raajkamal Films International, had voluntarily decided to defer the film's release in the state while seeking dialogue with the KFCC. The court had suggested Haasan offer an apology, observing that while he may be a celebrated actor, he had no right to hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas. 'You are not an ordinary man. You are a public figure. You create a circumstance, cause unrest, and now you want protection from the state machinery. This entire situation could have been solved with a simple apology,' Justice M Nagaprasanna said during last week's hearing on a separate plea seeking police protection for the film's release. Senior advocate Dhyan Chinappa, appearing for Haasan on June 3, maintained that the actor had expressed deep respect for Kannada and its people and had no intent to offend. 'Apology is required only if there is malice. There is no malice here,' he said. Chinappa added that Haasan's written statement to the KFCC reflected his goodwill and affection, and that he should not be compelled to apologise in a 'prescribed format.' But the high court remained unconvinced. Justice Nagaprasanna, quoting Shakespeare, said, 'Discretion is the better part of valour,' and pressed Haasan to show humility. The judge also criticised the tone of the actor's written statement, calling it a 'declaration of justification' rather than a conciliatory gesture. 'This is not an apology. There is not even a line that says, 'If I have hurt anyone's sentiments, I apologise.' Even C. Rajagopalachari made a similar remark 75 years ago and later apologised,' the judge said. The court also questioned the logic of seeking protection without making an effort to ease tensions. 'You want police protection, but are unwilling to utter one word that could calm the unrest. You are sticking to your stand because of your ego,' said Justice Nagaprasanna. The controversy has taken on political overtones, with several Kannada organisations and political commentators alleging that the backlash has been fuelled by segments of the ruling establishment. Haasan's counsel subtly hinted at this, suggesting that the opposition to the film's release may be 'aided by some support from the Karnataka government.' Granting a request for adjournment, the high court posted the matter for further hearing on June 10, while reiterating its earlier advice to Haasan: 'Even now, remember -- discretion is the better part of valour.' In its formal order, the court recorded that Haasan's remarks had 'stirred a hornet's nest' and caused 'unrest among the people of Karnataka.' It issued notices to the state government and the KFCC and reserved further directions until the next hearing.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Karnataka high court calls for review of law for clearer classification of vehicles
Bengaluru: The high court has called for a review of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act, 1988, to address ambiguities in vehicle classifications. Justice M Nagaprasanna, while dismissing a petition filed by the Karavali Bus Owners Association, suggested that the union surface transport ministry revisit and clarify existing definitions in the backdrop of modern vehicular categories and toll collection complexities. The petitioners, who operate stage carriages in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, had challenged toll charges levied at the Hejamadi and Sastana toll plazas. They argued that their vehicles, which have gross weights between 7,500kg and 12,000kg, should be categorised as minibuses and not as full-sized buses. As per the concession agreement, minibuses attract tolls at 50% of the rate applicable to buses. The petitioners also raised concerns over the deduction of additional amounts from their FASTag accounts by Udupi Sasthana Tollway Pvt Ltd through a "chargeback process." Their previous representation to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) against the alleged excess toll collection was rejected. Justice Nagaprasanna noted that vehicles below 7,500kg are categorised as light motor vehicles and those above 12,000 kg as heavy passenger vehicles. However, the classification of vehicles weighing between 7,501kg and 12,000kg—often referred to as medium passenger vehicles—remains unclear, particularly when they are described as "buses" for toll purposes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 5 Wealth Management Firms in The United States SmartAsset Learn More Undo The court clarified that tolls are governed by the National Highways Fee Rules and the terms of concession agreements, not by the MV Act alone. Concluding that the deductions were lawful and aligned with the registration certificates and relevant rules, the court dismissed the petition but emphasised the need for legislative clarity on vehicle categorisation. ——————— Blurb Justice Nagaprasanna said the classification of vehicles weighing between 7,501kg and 12,000kg, often referred to as medium passenger vehicles, remains unclear, particularly when they are described as buses for toll purposes
Hans India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
A controversy that could well have been avoided
For reasons fair or foul, there have been many skirmishes and flashpoints between the two states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over nearly seven decades since both were carved out as independent states. While justifications from both sides abound for each of the incidents that stirred passions, created riotous situations and severely created law and order problems in both the neighbouring zones, there seems to be no stopping fresh troubles that seem to be breaking out ad nauseam. Ever since Tamil top star Kamal Haasan, known for his typical intellectual surmises on all things under the sun said 'Kannada is born out of Tamil' at a function in Chennai, it set off a furore in Karnataka. Like a typical cinema narrative, the usual villains did the usual things and kept the political temperature up. The hero, however, much like the film 'Thug Life' in which he is seen endorsing in many parts of the world, refused to accept that he had overstepped in this case and could have well been discreet with such matters in public domain. Quite clearly, all the players in this drama know that Haasan is using the oldest trick in the book of any publicity being good publicity in the cinema circles. With Tamil cinema market being the biggest across south India, with almost all states running its films in many prominent cities of the peninsula, it is incomprehensible why the Chennai actor refused to see reason. The latest is that the film is not likely to get a release in Karnataka, the biggest market after Tamil Nadu. Haasan has informed the High Court that he would not release his film on the earlier announced date for his Kannada fans to watch him in action. Interestingly, what Judge Nagaprasanna said, while adjourning the case, deserves mention. As a news agency report wrote: 'The judge further questioned Haasan's authority to make such claims, asking, 'Are you a historian or a linguist to make such a statement? No language is born out of another.' He added, 'A single apology could have resolved the situation.' Justice Nagaprasanna stressed the importance of respecting cultural sensitivities and remarked, 'Water, land, and language — Jala, Nela, Bashe — are sacred to the people'. Adding further, the judge had pointed out that an illustrious person like C. Rajagopalachari had issued a similar statement in 1950 about the origins of the Kannada language and later apologised following protests, even though there was no commercial motive. 'If such a big person can apologise, and a similar statement has been issued after 75 years, and there is a commercial motive...' the court observed. Surely, the matter is not going to end here. If Haasan has won the battle for the moment, by the time the case comes up for hearing again a week from now, the public would know who has won the war. Not to be missed is the cool-headed handling of the controversy by the Congress government, which has flayed the hero for his observations, but in an even-tempered tone kept the socio- political pot from boiling over. After all, there is a hyperactive BJP waiting and watching.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Are you a historian?': Karnataka HC slams Kamal Haasan over Kannada-Tamil remark; says Jala, Nela, Bashe are sacred to people
The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday strongly criticised actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan for his recent remark suggesting that "Kannada was born out of Tamil." The court said that the comment had hurt the feelings of many people in Karnataka and asked why Haasan could not simply apologise. Justice M Nagaprasanna , who was hearing the case, said that language is a deep part of a person's cultural and emotional identity. He questioned Haasan's right to make such a claim, asking, 'Are you a historian or a linguist to make such a statement? No language is born from another. One simple apology could have sorted out the matter.' Haasan made the comment at a promotional event in Chennai for his upcoming Tamil film Thug Life. The statement led to backlash in Karnataka. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) later said the movie would not be shown in the state unless Haasan apologised. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ¡Registro para la lotería de la Green Card 2026! Global USA Solicita ahora Undo In response, Haasan's production company, Raajkamal Films International , went to the High Court seeking protection for the film's release. Justice Nagaprasanna reminded everyone that things like water, land, and language, 'Jala, Nela, Bashe', are very important to people. He said the country's states were also created based on language. 'No citizen has the right to hurt people's sentiments,' the judge added. Live Events The court also pointed out that even C Rajagopalachari had once made a similar statement, but he later apologised. 'If Rajagopalachari could apologise 75 years ago, why can't you? You're asking the court for police protection for a problem you created,' the judge said. The production company claimed Haasan's words were taken out of context and were not meant to upset anyone. They also said Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar , who was present at the event, supported Haasan and confirmed that the actor has always respected Karnataka and its people. Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, representing the film company, told the court that Haasan's remark wasn't "drastically wrong" and asked that the film be allowed to release without issues. The film team also asked for protection from the government to ensure safety for the cast, crew, cinema halls, and viewers. But the judge criticised the attitude of the filmmakers. 'You want to earn crores from Karnataka but won't apologise? Even ordinary citizens get punished for such comments. What makes you different?' he asked. While saying the court would pass an order according to law, Justice Nagaprasanna still advised Haasan to think about offering an apology to calm the situation. The hearing was postponed till 2.30 pm. 'You've created unrest with your comment. Think about it. If you still stand by your words, we'll pass an order accordingly,' the judge said. Inputs from PTI
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Closed companies ineligible for Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprisesbenefits: Karnataka high court
Bengaluru: The Karnataka high court has held that a company cannot claim MSME benefits if it ceases operations for two ruling was delivered by Justice M Nagaprasanna while dismissing a petition by Bengaluru-based Metro Steel Section and its partners. The firm approached SBI in Oct 2022, seeking fund-based cash credit facilities, resulting in the sanction of Rs 15.5 crore under the small and medium enterprises firm used the credit facility for business and working capital requirements. However, its operations deteriorated from Aug 2023, leading to irregular repayments. The account was subsequently classified as a non-performing asset (NPA) in the same year and transferred to the bank's stress assets management branch, initiating recovery firm contested the SBI notices, arguing that MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) guidelines for revival, rehabilitation, and restructuring should have been prioritised. SBI countered by presenting the firm's own admission of closure and emphasised the need to recover the outstanding Rs 18.5 Nagaprasanna noted that recovery remains the sole option when rectification and restructuring become unfeasible. He referenced a Supreme Court case, which supported rehabilitation opportunities for operational judge pointed out the firm's communication during the petition, which confirmed the business closure two years ago. He concluded that directing revival or restructuring would be futile for a non-operational unit, akin to asking the bank to flog a dead horse. The court found no fault with the bank's recovery efforts and dismissed the petition.
