The music and video content consumed today, especially songs that appear to glorify crime, are facing increasing backlash across India. From tracks by Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah being taken down to controversies surrounding 'Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke' featuring Sanjay Dutt and Nora Fatehi, the issue has reached courts and regulatory bodies.
Police and Courts Take Action
In January, Haryana Police's Special Task Force and cyber unit acted against 67 songs on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, terming them objectionable for glorifying gangsters, weapons, and violence. Officials stated that these tracks portrayed a misleading image of luxury linked to crime, influencing youth towards unlawful activities. Most content was removed or blocked. Director General of Police Ajay Singhal described the move as a crucial step to prevent young people from entering criminal pathways. STF IG Satheesh Balan added that authorities have engaged with singers and content creators, urging them to avoid promoting violence. Police are now monitoring social media engagement, including users who like or share such content.
Haryanvi singer Masoom Sharma defended the industry, arguing that isolated action against artists would not solve deeper issues. He called for uniform laws and stricter action against gambling apps that mislead youth.
Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah Song Removed
On April 2, the Delhi High Court directed the removal of an allegedly vulgar and derogatory song linked to rappers Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav observed that the song lacked artistic or social merit and crossed basic decency standards. The court stated that the lyrics objectified women and could not be justified under free speech protections, especially given accessibility to minors. The court directed the Centre to block additional links hosting the song.
'Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke' Controversy
A complaint filed before the Central Board of Film Certification alleged that the song contained highly vulgar and sexually suggestive content harmful to minors. Following backlash, the Hindi version was removed from YouTube. Actor Sanjay Dutt appeared before the National Commission for Women on April 27 and issued a written apology, pledging to support the education of 50 tribal girls. Others associated with the song also tendered apologies. Nora Fatehi, currently abroad, sought a new hearing date.
FIR Against Mewati Singer Aslam
Cyber police in Nuh registered a case against Mewati singer Aslam for allegedly sharing objectionable content through a recently released song. The FIR followed a complaint by the district's social media monitoring cell, which alleged that the song promoted unlawful activities, glorified illegal weapons, and referenced criminal acts. Nuh police chief Arpit Jain ordered strict monitoring and action against such content.
Diljit Dosanjh Concert Faces Curbs
Singer Diljit Dosanjh's Ludhiana concert faced scrutiny after a complaint sought a ban on songs allegedly promoting alcohol. Authorities were asked to stop the performance of tracks like 'Patiala Pegg', '5 Tara Theke', and 'Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya)', citing concerns over social impact and previous advisories issued to the singer.
Rajasthan Police Warns Local Artists
In Rajasthan's Bhilwara, police took preventive action against several local singers accused of glorifying gangsters and mining mafia through songs. SP Dharmendra Singh Yadav warned of strict legal action against future violations and appealed to the public not to promote such material.
Haryana Khaps Call for Ban
Khap panchayats in Haryana's Jind, Rohtak, and Charkhi Dadri called for a complete ban on songs promoting gun culture and vulgarity. Leaders from various khaps urged artists to stop producing such content, warning of collective decisions if action is not taken. They raised concerns over the impact on youth behavior, stating that these songs promote intoxication, fights, and obscenity.
The recent spate of actions signals a tightening regulatory stance on digital and musical content in India. While authorities maintain that such steps protect youth and uphold social values, artists and industry voices argue for clearer, consistent laws rather than selective enforcement.
