Bengaluru: “Any repetition of the kind of conduct now highlighted in the petition would undoubtedly be viewed seriously,” the Karnataka high court observed while disposing of a petition filed by Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh.The petition pertained to a criminal case registered against him over his controversial mimicry and remarks referring to Chavundi Daiva—a revered deity in coastal Karnataka—as a “female ghost”, during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa in Nov last year.During the hearing, Ranveer Singh filed an affidavit apologising, stating that he had “unintentionally and inadvertently” offended the sentiments of communities that worship Chavundi Daiva.“I have the deepest respect and regard for the Hindu religion in all its manifestations, as well as for all religions and communities around the world, including in Karnataka. I have realised and understood the sensitivity surrounding the issue and therefore, express my deepest regret and convey my sincere and unconditional apology. I will, in due course, visit the temple of the deity in Mysuru — the Shri Chamundeshwari Temple — to offer my prayers and express my devotion,” the actor stated in his affidavit.“In light of the petitioner tendering an apology and undertaking to visit the temple, and considering the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, I deem it appropriate to take the affidavit on record and close the proceedings qua the petitioner for the offences in question. However, this is subject to the condition that the petitioner shall visit the temple within an outer limit of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order,” Justice M Nagaprasanna observed in his order.
