The Karnataka High Court directed on Wednesday that no mandatory measures were taken against singer Sonu Nigam until the next hearing date, in connection with the recent criminal case against him registered as offensive remarks allegedly made during the concert. The court also allowed the singer to record his statements through video bringing to record his statements if needed, his investigators (IO) (IO) (IO). Also, if the IO insists on appearance, the court said the official could visit Nigam while the singer was responsible for the related costs. The case stems from a complaint issued after the incident at the concert, with some Kannadiga fans asking Nigam to sing in Kannada. The singer allegedly took an offense to the tone of the request, which is reportedly why Pahalgam happened, controversial with the April 22 terrorist attacks in Jamu and Kashmir.
At the hearing, Nigam’s lawyer, Dhananjay Vidyapati, argued that the complaint was brought only for publicity, under IPC’s section 505 for alleged public mischief. He also said it was a loneliness incident, the concert went smoothly, and the complaint was filed by a third party.
However, the national legal counsel insisted that Nigham’s remarks needed to be examined during the investigation to determine intent. Under Article 482 (CRPC), whether the comment was intentional. He did not cooperate with the investigation. The state proposed that he was busy to say the least.
Attorneys in the state added that against special privileges, a person who disrespects proper legal proceedings cannot give benefits under 482. He is not an ordinary person, but that’s why he shouldn’t make such statements.
When the court asked why Nigam’s statement was barely recorded and even in his residence, the state opposed it, saying it would make the singer too convenient.
The court responded to the concerns raised by Nigam’s lawyers about the media spectacle, and the court observed: If you want to look, you go to his place and record his statement. He can bear the cost.
The court recorded the state’s submission that if Nigam cooperated with the investigation, there would be no mandatory steps. It continues until any final report before the next hearing date.
