A Karnataka civil court on Friday passed an interim order restraining actor Kamal Haasan from making any statements that could defame the Kannada language, literature, land, or culture.

The order was issued by Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge Madhu N R on a suit filed by the Kannada Sahitya Parishat and its President, Nadoja Dr. Mahesh Joshi, following Haasan’s controversial remark allegedly stating that “Kannada was born out of Tamil.”

During the hearing, the Court said:

“The defendant, his agents, assigns, representatives or any person acting under or through them are hereby restrained, by way of ad-interim ex parte order of temporary injunction, from posting, making, issuing, writing, publishing and/or distributing any statement or remarks claiming linguistic superiority over Kannada language or making any statements having the effect of causing hurt or defaming the Kannada language, literature, land, and culture till the next date of hearing.”

The alleged remark was reportedly made by Haasan during the audio launch of his film Thug Life, sparking widespread criticism and calls to boycott the film in Karnataka.

The plaintiffs sought a permanent injunction and demanded that Haasan issue an unconditional public apology to the people of Karnataka.

While passing the interim relief, the Court directed the plaintiffs to comply with procedural requirements under Order XXXIX Rule 3(a) of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC), and to issue a public advertisement under Order I Rule 8(2) CPC, given the representative nature of the suit.

The order further stated:

“The plaintiff shall furnish copies of the plaint, interlocutory application, documents, and the required process fee—without any deficit—for issuance of summons within seven days from this date. Failing which, the above order of temporary injunction will automatically stand vacated.”

The Court issued notice to Kamal Haasan and listed the matter for further hearing on August 30.

Haasan had earlier approached the Karnataka High Court seeking relief to ensure the release of Thug Life in the state. After failing to get a favorable order, he moved the Supreme Court, which directed the Karnataka government to prevent any obstruction to the film’s release and criticized the State for "allowing mob rule to prevail."