Free speech has limits: Karnataka High Court warns Kamal Haasan over Kannada remark

Bengaluru: In a stern warning laced with wit and judicial restraint, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday called out Tamil superstar and politician Kamal Haasan over his controversial statement claiming that Kannada “was born out of Tamil”, a remark that has sparked outrage across Karnataka and drawn sharp political reactions.

Hearing a plea filed by the actor seeking protection for the screening of his upcoming film Thug Life, the High Court questioned why taxpayers should foot the bill for police deployment to protect someone who refuses to take responsibility for his words.

“You have the right to free speech,” the court remarked. “But that does not extend to hurting the sentiments of an entire people. If you’re not ready to apologise, why should the police protect your mistake?”

Justice M. Nagaprasanna, who headed the bench, minced no words as he compared Haasan’s statement to a scrambled egg: “The spoken word can’t be taken back, but there can be an apology. You cannot unscramble a scrambled egg.”

In a pointed message to the actor, the court said, “You are not an ordinary man. You’re a public figure, and your words carry weight. If such a big man as C. Rajagopalachari could apologise in 1950 for a similar remark – even when there was no commercial motive – what’s stopping you now?”

Kamal Haasan, 70, made the controversial comment during a recent promotional event in Chennai, where he said Kannada was derived from Tamil while speaking about cultural ties and language.

He shared the stage with Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar and justified his remarks as being rooted in love and kinship. But critics in Karnataka saw it as linguistic arrogance, with political leaders accusing him of insulting Kannada identity.

With the film Thug Life set to premiere Thursday, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has taken a hard stance, refusing to allow the movie’s release unless the actor issues a public apology.

KFCC President M. Narasimhulu reiterated, “If he insists he’s done nothing wrong, then there is no question of letting the movie release.”

Appearing before the court, senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, representing the petitioner, submitted that Haasan had no intention of disrespecting Kannada and would discuss the court’s strong suggestion with his client.

The court hinted that a simple apology could settle the matter. “One statement can resolve this,” it said. “You want revenue from Karnataka, but you won’t acknowledge the people of the state? Even I want to watch the film, but can’t because of this controversy.”

The court adjourned the matter to 2.30pm, giving the actor’s legal team time to confer and respond.

Meanwhile, BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra joined the chorus, slamming the Congress-led Karnataka government for not taking a clear stand. “Kamal Haasan may love Tamil, but that doesn’t give him the right to insult Kannada. It’s not too late. He should apologise and correct his unwise behaviour,” Vijayendra said.

As tensions rise and the release of Thug Life hangs in the balance, all eyes are now on whether Kamal Haasan will heed the court’s advice — or risk alienating an entire state and jeopardising his film’s prospects.