Mumbai: The Delhi High Court on Thursday pulled up Honey Singh and Badshah, directing them to immediately take down their 2006-07 song Volume 1 from all social media platforms.
The court observed that the song is vulgar, obscene, and derogatory towards women and social values, stating that “no civilised society can permit such content to remain freely available.”
The court also held that allowing such content online, especially with access to minors, cannot be justified in the name of artistic freedom.
“This is one of the rare cases where the conscience of the court is shocked to its absolute core. It is one of those unfortunate instances where the court finds that the song is grossly vulgar, patently obscene, and derogatory towards women, artistic values, and social norms. The lyrics are not merely disrespectful or offensive but are ex facie calculated to normalise the treatment of women as objects of ridicule and sexual gratification,” the high court bench observed.
“Interim directions are required to be issued, as allowing dissemination of such content on online platforms, including access by minors, cannot be countenanced under the guise of artistic freedom of speech. No civilised society can permit such content to remain freely available or be monetised. Respondent Nos. 4 (Spotify) and 5 (Honey Singh), and any other persons claiming rights in the impugned obscene song(s), are directed to immediately take down the URLs hosting such content from social media platforms or any other online locations,” the court said in its order.
Last month, Badshah faced backlash after the release of his Haryanvi song ‘Tateeree’, with many viewers criticising its allegedly explicit lyrics and visuals as inappropriate.
He then took to Instagram to apologise, stating that he did not intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments.
