Language row: Still no apology, K'taka HC tells Haasan, accepts implead application from Kannada org
Bengaluru (PTI): Actor Kamal Haasan has not yet issued an apology for his controversial remarks on Kannada language, observed the Karnataka High Court on Friday and directed the producer of his latest film 'Thug Life' to respond to an application filed by Kannada Sahitya Parishat.
The application sought intervention in the producer's pleas against the ban on the film's release in the state.
The Parishat wanted to place before the Court, the constitutional, cultural and linguistic concerns arising from the statements made by Haasan, particularly from the perspective of protecting the identity, dignity and historical legacy of the Kannada language and culture.
The case stems from a statement made by Haasan during the audio release of the film, where he had said that Kannada was born out of Tamil Language.
The remark led to a huge controversy and Karnataka leaders and the Film Chamber of the state demanded that the actor withdraw his statement and tender an apology. However, he declined to apologise and opted against releasing the movie in Karnataka on June 5, when it was released worldwide.
On Friday, the counsel for production house Raaj Kamal Films International submitted that the actor would need a week's time to file objections to the Kannada Sahitya Parishat's impleadment application.
Justice M Nagaprasanna, who heard the case, posted the matter to June 20.
Earlier, Raaj Kamal Films International filed a petition seeking adequate security for the movie's release in the state.
When the matter came up for hearing before Justice Nagaprasanna on June 3, counsel for the petitioner maintained that there was no malice and an apology was not warranted and submitted that the screening of the movie would not be insisted upon in the state till the issue gets resolved through dialogue.
During the hearing, Haasan came in for strong criticism from the court for his remark, and the court observed that a "single apology could have resolved the situation".
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4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
