The court, presided over by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, made it clear that public figures carry a heavy responsibility and that "a mistake has happened."
The Controversy: "Female Ghost" vs. "Divine Deity" 🐚
The Incident: During the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa last year (November 2025), Ranveer attempted to praise Rishab Shetty’s performance in Kantara: Chapter 1.
The Slip-Up: While mimicking the iconic Bhoota Kola (Daiva) possession scene, Ranveer erroneously referred to the Panjurli/Guliga Daiva as a "female ghost" and mimicked the divine expressions—an act many devotees found deeply disrespectful to their religious traditions.
The Legal Heat: Following a complaint by advocate Prashant Methal, an FIR was registered against Ranveer in Bengaluru under sections involving religious insult and promoting enmity.
The Court’s Verdict: "Internet Never Forgets" ⚖️
During the hearing of Ranveer’s plea to quash the FIR, the High Court pulled no punches:
Responsibility of Stardom: "A superstar is not 'ooper' (above) the law... You have no right to hurt the sentiments of people," Justice Nagaprasanna remarked, adding that actors have a massive influence on the public.
Digital Footprint: Addressing the actor's legal team, the judge noted: "I may forget, you may forget, and people may forget. The internet never forgets."
The Path to Atonement: Affidavit & Temple Visit 🙏
While Ranveer had previously apologized on Instagram, the complainant argued it was "insincere" and likely posted by his PR team. To settle the matter:
Formal Affidavit: Ranveer’s counsel, Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya, informed the court that the actor will file a formal affidavit of unconditional apology by the next hearing.
Spiritual Visit: As a gesture of genuine remorse, Ranveer has also committed to visiting the Chamundi Temple on the iconic Chamundi Hills in Mysuru to seek forgiveness in person.
Next Hearing: The High Court has adjourned the matter to 10 April 2026, indicating that it may consider closing the proceedings once the apology and temple visit are completed.
SantaBanta Verdict:
Ranveer Singh is known for his boundless energy, but this case serves as a stark reminder that even the biggest stars need to be "cautious and conscious" when dealing with cultural and religious traditions. His willingness to offer a formal apology and visit the temple shows a level of maturity that his fans will surely appreciate. It’s a good moment for the "Hamza" of Bollywood to slow down and show some respect to the "Daivas" of the South.
