Bengaluru's Avalahalli police have decided to return to the Karnataka High Court after singer Sonu Nigam failed to respond to three police notices, sources
say. The police plan to also write to the Advocate General to ask that the High Court's interim protection order be vacated. The controversy began during a music event held under the jurisdiction of Avalahalli Police Station in Bengaluru. During a concert, an audience member repeatedly demanded that Nigam sing a Kannada song. The singer allegedly replied by linking the demand to the Pahalgam terror attack, a comment that angered Kannada cultural organisations and triggered protests. On May 3, Avalahalli police registered an FIR against Sonu under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including criminal intimidation, intentional insult, and public mischief. Nigam reacted by filing a petition in the Karnataka High Court on May 14, seeking to quash both the complaint and the FIR. The High Court granted him interim relief, directing that no coercive action be taken against the singer provided he cooperates with the investigation. The court also restrained police from filing a final report until the next hearing. Nigam has been permitted to give his statement via video conferencing, or in person if the investigation officer travels to him (at his expense). Now, with Nigam reportedly ignoring multiple notices, the Avalahalli police appear poised to ask the High Court to lift its protection order and press ahead with the investigation more forcefully. Officials also intend to seek the Advocate General's opinion on vacating the interim relief.
