Karnataka High Court asks Kamal Haasan to apologise for controversial remark on Kannada
Hearing adjourned to 2:30 PM
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has taken strong objection to Tamil actor Kamal Haasan’s controversial statement that “Kannada originated from Tamil”. The court has asked him to apologise for the remark, warning that his petition seeking protection for the release of his film Thug Life would be considered only if he does so.
The bench led by Justice Nagaprasanna, which was hearing Kamal Haasan’s plea for security during the release of Thug Life, criticised the actor for refusing to apologise earlier. The court questioned the logic behind the statement, asking, “How can one language be said to have originated from another? Is Kamal Haasan a historian to claim that Kannada was born from Tamil?”
Justice Nagaprasanna further pointed out that even C. Rajagopalachari had once issued an apology for a similar remark. “You are responsible for the situation created today. Such statements should not be made. Kamal Haasan is not an ordinary person but a public figure. Let him apologise first, only then we will consider the petition,” the judge said.
The hearing has been adjourned to 2:30 PM.
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K'taka remains central to Aequs' strategy, says min Patil amid row over firm's investment in TN
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Commerce and Industries Minister M B Patil on Monday asserted that Aequs continues to expand in the state and that its proposed investment in neighbouring Tamil Nadu was a business decision aimed at diversification, not a shift away from Karnataka.
Reacting to criticism on social media over reports that the Karnataka-based firm had signed a major investment deal in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district for setting up a specialised aerospace and defense manufacturing cluster, he said the state government was fully aware of the company's plans and remained confident about its long-term commitment to Karnataka.
"While we welcome every major investment in India, would like to clarify a few points," Patil said in a post on 'X'.
Aequs was significantly expanding its footprint within Karnataka, including a Rs 3,000 crore investment in Kolar for electronics manufacturing.
"Its recently approved Rs 1,500 crore ECMS project will also be grounded in the state. Karnataka remains central to its long-term strategy," he said.
Patil added that the government had prior knowledge of the TN proposal.
The government was already informed and aware that the TN investment is a business decision aimed at geographic diversification and de-risking operations, not a shift away from Karnataka.
"Healthy competition between states strengthens India's manufacturing ecosystem," he said.
Emphasising the state's focus on high-technology sectors, Patil said, "We remain committed to deepening Karnataka's leadership in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, and our engagement with industry partners is strong and ongoing."
The Aequs Group has pledged Rs 4,000 crore to bolster Tamil Nadu's aerospace manufacturing capabilities at the SIPCOT-Shoolagiri Industrial Park in Krishnagiri district.
The group proposes to establish a specialised aerospace and defense manufacturing cluster for the production of aircraft engines, gearbox components, and precision engineering parts. This initiative is expected to provide employment to 7,000 individuals.
