Divya Delhi: The Karnataka High Court  granted interim protection to Sonu Nigam, saying that no coercive action be taken against him in the case filed over his alleged remarks at a recent concert. The court also allowed the singer to appear virtually for questioning, if required by the investigating officer. During the hearing, Nigam’s counsel, Dhananjay Vidyapati, argued that the complaint was motivated by publicity and that the charges under Section 505 of the IPC (public mischief) were not applicable. He maintained that the event concluded without any disruption and the FIR was lodged by a third party with no direct involvement. The state’s counsel, however, emphasized that the singer had not cooperated with the investigation so far and stressed the need to examine his remarks to understand intent. “A person who does not respect due process of law cannot be given benefit under Section 482 CrPC,” the State submitted, arguing against any special treatment.Responding to media attention concerns, the court allowed that if a physical appearance is insisted upon, the IO could visit Nigam’s residence to record his statement, with expenses borne by the singer.

 
Divya Delhi: The Karnataka High Court  granted interim protection to Sonu Nigam, saying that no coercive action be taken against him in the case filed over his alleged remarks at a recent concert. The court also allowed the singer to appear virtually for questioning, if required by the investigating officer. During the hearing, Nigam’s counsel, Dhananjay Vidyapati, argued that the complaint was motivated by publicity and that the charges under Section 505 of the IPC (public mischief) were not applicable. He maintained that the event concluded without any disruption and the FIR was lodged by a third party with no direct involvement. The state’s counsel, however, emphasized that the singer had not cooperated with the investigation so far and stressed the need to examine his remarks to understand intent. “A person who does not respect due process of law cannot be given benefit under Section 482 CrPC,” the State submitted, arguing against any special treatment.Responding to media attention concerns, the court allowed that if a physical appearance is insisted upon, the IO could visit Nigam’s residence to record his statement, with expenses borne by the singer.