Bengaluru, May 15 -- The Karnataka High Court on Thursday directed the police not to take any "coercive action" against playback singer Sonu Nigam until the next hearing.

The court also stated that Nigam does not need to appear in person to give a statement to the police at this stage.

Justice Shivashankar Amarannavar passed the interim order after hearing Nigam's plea to quash the case against him for allegedly making offensive remarks about the Kannadiga community.

The court was informed by the State that no strict action would be taken against the singer for now, as long as he cooperates with the investigation.

The controversy erupted after Nigam's statement at a music event in Bengaluru on April 22, which reportedly hurt the senti...