Bengaluru: In a significant legal reprieve for Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, directed the Bengaluru police to refrain from taking any coercive steps against him. The case involves an FIR registered against the actor for allegedly mocking a sacred deity during a public event in Goa last year.
While providing interim protection, a single-member bench of Justice M. Nagaprasanna sternly reprimanded the actor, emphasizing that public figures must exercise caution and responsibility when discussing religious traditions.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy stems from Ranveer Singh’s appearance at the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on November 28, 2025. While interacting with actor-director Rishab Shetty, Singh mimicked a sequence from the film Kantara: Chapter 1.
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The Allegation: Singh reportedly referred to the revered Chavundi Daiva (a sacred guardian spirit of coastal Karnataka) as a “female ghost” or “devil” while imitating the deity’s ritualistic expressions.
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The Backlash: The act was viewed as a crude and comical misrepresentation of the Bhoota Kola tradition. Despite an immediate public apology from the actor on social media, a Bengaluru-based advocate, Prashanth Methal, filed a private complaint.
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The FIR: Following a court order in January 2026, the High Grounds police registered an FIR under Sections 196, 299, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity.
The High Court’s Observations
During Tuesday’s hearing, senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, appearing for Singh, admitted the actor’s remarks were “insensitive and reckless” but argued they were unintentional and intended as a tribute to Shetty’s performance.
The Court, however, offered a sharp critique of the actor’s conduct:
“You may be Ranveer Singh; you may be anybody. But one shouldn’t have behaved with such insensitivity… You being an actor have influence on so many people. When you have that, you should be responsible. You have no right to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments.”
The bench further noted that while individuals might forgive, “the internet never forgets,” highlighting the lasting impact of such public displays.
Next Steps
The High Court has stayed any arrest or coercive action provided that Ranveer Singh cooperates fully with the ongoing investigation. The State and the complainant have been directed to file their objections, and the matter is posted for further hearing on March 2, 2026.
