HC grants relief to actor Upendra, stays FIR over controversial statement

In a significant development, the High Court has intervened to provide respite to renowned actor Upendra, by ordering to stay the FIR filed against him for his contentious statement.

Justice Hemant Chandan, presiding over the case, has issued an injunction against the FIR, citing that the SC and ST Prevention of Atrocities Act does not apply to the statement, referring to a proverb.

The FIR had been registered at the Channammanakere Achukattu police station under the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, following allegations that Upendra’s words on social media had hurt the sentiments of the Dalit community Another FIR had been lodged at the Halasuru Gate police station, initiated based on a complaint lodged by Karnataka Rangers’ state president, Bairappa Harish Kumar.