The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday asked actor Ranveer Singh to visit the Chamundi temple and apologize for his past comments against the deity at an event last year. The court was hearing a private complaint filed by the High Grounds police station in the case and a petition filed by the actor seeking quashing of the FIR. The case pertains to mimicry and remarks about a divine character in the film Kantara Chapter 1 Opposite actor Rishabh Shetty, who played a character based on the deity in the film.

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At the International Film Festival of India 2025 in Goa, Singh took to the stage and tried to compliment Shetty’s performance by imitating Chamundi Daiva. He also described a scene he particularly liked in the film, in which the deity was referred to as a “demon” – which turned into a controversy that led to a court case.

What did the court say?

A single-judge bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna expressed concern over the delay in filing the objections. The court pulled up the actor over the comment and said “what Ranveer did is not right” and stressed that public figures should act responsibly considering the influence they wield.

During the hearing, the court also questioned the government on the delay in filing objections. Senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Singh, replied that it appeared there was no objection to be filed.

The actor had earlier apologized for the act on social media. However, during the hearing, lawyer CG Malayali, representing the complainant, argued that Ranveer Singh’s apology was insincere. He pointed out that the actor had “referred to Chamundi Daiva as a demon” and only issued an apology through a tweet managed by his team. Malayali insisted that “since the insult to the deity was done verbally, he should apologize verbally.”

The complainant’s lawyer argued that the apology issued on social media was not enough and demanded a more direct expression of regret. However, the court indicated that an affidavit and additional steps could help resolve the case, and said that in such cases “there should be a feeling of remorse”.

Court asks Ranveer Singh to go to Chamundi Hill

Malayali further said that Singh should visit Chamundi Hill with his lawyer to personally apologize. The court agreed, suggesting that if the complainant requests to appear in court for an apology, the actor should comply.

Senior advocate Poovayya assured the court that an apology affidavit would be filed and Singh would visit Chamundi Hill. The court stressed the importance of visiting the temple and showing repentance, highlighting the influence of the actors on the public. Justice M Nagaprasanna said, “You must go to the temple. A mistake has been made. There should be a feeling of remorse. Actors have a deep influence on people.”

The court adjourned the case to April 10 for further hearing. Ranveer Singh’s father was present during the proceedings.