Latest news with #Nagaprasanna


Time of India
26-06-2025
- Time of India
No relief for man accused of abetting suicide of live-in partner: Karnataka High Court
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court refused to quash the proceedings against a Mandya resident in an abetment to suicide case. The deceased and her engineering college classmate and former colleague shared a live-in relationship with him for over three years based on marriage promises. The incident occurred on Dec 28, 2023, when the woman took her life by jumping from a building's terrace in Hebbagodi police jurisdiction after an argument with the accused. Her father's complaint alleged that the man harassed her using compromising photographs and demanded money. The accused's final words, "go and die" and "do whatever you want," preceded her fatal action. Police filed a chargesheet under IPC Section 306 and IT Act Sections 66E and 67A. The accused contested the charges, claiming the woman suffered from depression due to share market losses and health complications from hypothyroidism. The complainant's counsel highlighted that persistent harassment and blackmail using private photographs led to suicide. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Justice M Nagaprasanna noted financial dealings worth Rs 51 lakh between the parties, including trading activities. Forensic analysis of their electronic devices revealed disturbing evidence, including inappropriate photographs of the deceased on the accused's devices. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Зачем на ночь сжигают лавровый лист? Undo The court observed substantial monetary transactions between the parties alongside the compromising images discovered in the FSL report. The judge referenced a Supreme Court ruling that criticised premature dismissal of similar cases. The top court established that when Section 107 IPC criteria (abetment) are satisfied, proceedings should continue. Justice Nagaprasanna emphasised that the digital evidence, FSL findings, and recorded statements necessitated a full trial. "The plea that this is a case of mere scorned affection or a casual taunt cannot be countenanced when placed against the backdrop of deliberate humiliation and alleged extortion. The nuances and textures of this tragic narrative must be unfolded in a full-blown trial. It cannot be forgotten that a young life was extinguished in a manner that raises grave concern. It is for the trial court to examine the depth of betrayal, the extent of coercion, and the veracity of the claims," Justice Nagaprasanna observed while dismissing the petition.


India Today
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Karnataka High Court seeks Kamal Haasan apology update in Thug Life case hearing
The Karnataka High Court on Friday heard a petition related to the release of the Tamil film starring Kamal Haasan, Thug Life, with Justice Nagaprasanna questioning once again whether the actor had apologised for his controversial remarks.'Has Kamal Haasan not apologised yet? What happened to the Supreme Court hearing?' the judge asked. Responding to this, Kamal Haasan's counsel informed the court that the actor had not yet apologised and that the Supreme Court had issued a notice to the Karnataka government in the the hearing, a petition from the Kannada Sahitya Parishat requested the court to allow them to present their arguments. Senior advocate S Basavaraj, representing the Parishat, said, 'Kamal Haasan made a stupid statement,' and argued that the words 'Karnataka' and 'Kannada' are deeply rooted in ancient texts and traditions. The counsel representing Raajkamal Films, the film production banner founded by the actor, objected to the use of the word 'stupid,' saying it was being taken offensively and that they would be filing objections to the Parishat's Kannada Sahitya Parishat's advocate, meanwhile, expressed regret over the 'stupid' court adjourned the hearing to June 20 and reiterated its earlier directive not to proceed with the film's release until further orders. Justice Nagaprasanna also urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and comes after Kamal Haasan, during a promotion event, stated that 'Kannada was born out of Tamil', triggering a sharp backlash and boycott of his film in Karnataka. IN THIS STORY#Karnataka#Tamil Nadu


Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
SC declines Karnataka theatre body's plea for protection to screen ‘Thug Life'
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea by a Karnataka theatre association seeking an immediate hearing and protection to screen actor Kamal Haasan's film Thug Life, which has not been released in the state following a controversy over the actor's remarks on the Kannada language. A bench of justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan declined to intervene, asking the association to approach the high court instead. 'Install fire extinguishers,' remarked the bench, after the lawyer claimed 'fringe elements' in Karnataka had threatened to set theatres on fire if the film was screened. The controversy originates from a comment made by Haasan at the audio launch of Thug Life in Chennai on May 24, where he reportedly said Kannada was 'born out of Tamil,' sparking widespread backlash in Karnataka. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) responded by barring the film's screening in the state and demanding an apology. Last week, Haasan's counsel informed the Karnataka high court that the actor and his production house, Raajkamal Films International, had voluntarily decided to defer the film's release in the state while seeking dialogue with the KFCC. The court had suggested Haasan offer an apology, observing that while he may be a celebrated actor, he had no right to hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas. 'You are not an ordinary man. You are a public figure. You create a circumstance, cause unrest, and now you want protection from the state machinery. This entire situation could have been solved with a simple apology,' Justice M Nagaprasanna said during last week's hearing on a separate plea seeking police protection for the film's release. Senior advocate Dhyan Chinappa, appearing for Haasan on June 3, maintained that the actor had expressed deep respect for Kannada and its people and had no intent to offend. 'Apology is required only if there is malice. There is no malice here,' he said. Chinappa added that Haasan's written statement to the KFCC reflected his goodwill and affection, and that he should not be compelled to apologise in a 'prescribed format.' But the high court remained unconvinced. Justice Nagaprasanna, quoting Shakespeare, said, 'Discretion is the better part of valour,' and pressed Haasan to show humility. The judge also criticised the tone of the actor's written statement, calling it a 'declaration of justification' rather than a conciliatory gesture. 'This is not an apology. There is not even a line that says, 'If I have hurt anyone's sentiments, I apologise.' Even C. Rajagopalachari made a similar remark 75 years ago and later apologised,' the judge said. The court also questioned the logic of seeking protection without making an effort to ease tensions. 'You want police protection, but are unwilling to utter one word that could calm the unrest. You are sticking to your stand because of your ego,' said Justice Nagaprasanna. The controversy has taken on political overtones, with several Kannada organisations and political commentators alleging that the backlash has been fuelled by segments of the ruling establishment. Haasan's counsel subtly hinted at this, suggesting that the opposition to the film's release may be 'aided by some support from the Karnataka government.' Granting a request for adjournment, the high court posted the matter for further hearing on June 10, while reiterating its earlier advice to Haasan: 'Even now, remember -- discretion is the better part of valour.' In its formal order, the court recorded that Haasan's remarks had 'stirred a hornet's nest' and caused 'unrest among the people of Karnataka.' It issued notices to the state government and the KFCC and reserved further directions until the next hearing.


Time of India
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Karnataka high court calls for review of law for clearer classification of vehicles
Bengaluru: The high court has called for a review of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act, 1988, to address ambiguities in vehicle classifications. Justice M Nagaprasanna, while dismissing a petition filed by the Karavali Bus Owners Association, suggested that the union surface transport ministry revisit and clarify existing definitions in the backdrop of modern vehicular categories and toll collection complexities. The petitioners, who operate stage carriages in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, had challenged toll charges levied at the Hejamadi and Sastana toll plazas. They argued that their vehicles, which have gross weights between 7,500kg and 12,000kg, should be categorised as minibuses and not as full-sized buses. As per the concession agreement, minibuses attract tolls at 50% of the rate applicable to buses. The petitioners also raised concerns over the deduction of additional amounts from their FASTag accounts by Udupi Sasthana Tollway Pvt Ltd through a "chargeback process." Their previous representation to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) against the alleged excess toll collection was rejected. Justice Nagaprasanna noted that vehicles below 7,500kg are categorised as light motor vehicles and those above 12,000 kg as heavy passenger vehicles. However, the classification of vehicles weighing between 7,501kg and 12,000kg—often referred to as medium passenger vehicles—remains unclear, particularly when they are described as "buses" for toll purposes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 5 Wealth Management Firms in The United States SmartAsset Learn More Undo The court clarified that tolls are governed by the National Highways Fee Rules and the terms of concession agreements, not by the MV Act alone. Concluding that the deductions were lawful and aligned with the registration certificates and relevant rules, the court dismissed the petition but emphasised the need for legislative clarity on vehicle categorisation. ——————— Blurb Justice Nagaprasanna said the classification of vehicles weighing between 7,501kg and 12,000kg, often referred to as medium passenger vehicles, remains unclear, particularly when they are described as buses for toll purposes


Hans India
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
A controversy that could well have been avoided
For reasons fair or foul, there have been many skirmishes and flashpoints between the two states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over nearly seven decades since both were carved out as independent states. While justifications from both sides abound for each of the incidents that stirred passions, created riotous situations and severely created law and order problems in both the neighbouring zones, there seems to be no stopping fresh troubles that seem to be breaking out ad nauseam. Ever since Tamil top star Kamal Haasan, known for his typical intellectual surmises on all things under the sun said 'Kannada is born out of Tamil' at a function in Chennai, it set off a furore in Karnataka. Like a typical cinema narrative, the usual villains did the usual things and kept the political temperature up. The hero, however, much like the film 'Thug Life' in which he is seen endorsing in many parts of the world, refused to accept that he had overstepped in this case and could have well been discreet with such matters in public domain. Quite clearly, all the players in this drama know that Haasan is using the oldest trick in the book of any publicity being good publicity in the cinema circles. With Tamil cinema market being the biggest across south India, with almost all states running its films in many prominent cities of the peninsula, it is incomprehensible why the Chennai actor refused to see reason. The latest is that the film is not likely to get a release in Karnataka, the biggest market after Tamil Nadu. Haasan has informed the High Court that he would not release his film on the earlier announced date for his Kannada fans to watch him in action. Interestingly, what Judge Nagaprasanna said, while adjourning the case, deserves mention. As a news agency report wrote: 'The judge further questioned Haasan's authority to make such claims, asking, 'Are you a historian or a linguist to make such a statement? No language is born out of another.' He added, 'A single apology could have resolved the situation.' Justice Nagaprasanna stressed the importance of respecting cultural sensitivities and remarked, 'Water, land, and language — Jala, Nela, Bashe — are sacred to the people'. Adding further, the judge had pointed out that an illustrious person like C. Rajagopalachari had issued a similar statement in 1950 about the origins of the Kannada language and later apologised following protests, even though there was no commercial motive. 'If such a big person can apologise, and a similar statement has been issued after 75 years, and there is a commercial motive...' the court observed. Surely, the matter is not going to end here. If Haasan has won the battle for the moment, by the time the case comes up for hearing again a week from now, the public would know who has won the war. Not to be missed is the cool-headed handling of the controversy by the Congress government, which has flayed the hero for his observations, but in an even-tempered tone kept the socio- political pot from boiling over. After all, there is a hyperactive BJP waiting and watching.