Badshah, Honey Singh's 'Volume 1' track removed by Delhi HC
What's the story
The Delhi High Court has ordered the immediate removal of rapper Honey Singh and Badshah's controversial song Volume 1 from all social media platforms. The court described the song as "grossly vulgar" and "obscene." The ruling was issued in response to a plea by Hindu Shakti Dal seeking the removal of the song's audio and video from social media platforms.
Court's reaction
'The conscience of the court is shocked...'
The court stated, "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 toward women, artistic values, and social norms." The court further added that allowing such content online cannot be justified as artistic freedom of speech.
Objectification of women
Court calls out the track for objectifying women
The court also noted that the lyrics of Volume 1 are not just offensive but are "ex facie calculated to normalize the portrayal of women as objects of ridicule and sexual gratification." It further stated that no civilized society can allow "such content to remain freely available or be monetized." The court directed Spotify, Singh, and anyone else claiming rights in the song to immediately take down URLs hosting such content from social media platforms or any other online locations.
Concert controversy
Singh performed 'Volume 1' at the Mumbai concert
The ruling comes days after Singh performed a few verses of Volume 1 at his Mumbai concert. The event, held at MMRDA Grounds on March 28, is also under legal scrutiny for other reasons. An FIR has been registered against the event organizers for allegedly using laser lights in a restricted no-laser zone near an airport, where such illumination is prohibited due to safety risks. Last month, Badshah was also embroiled in controversy over his track Tateeree.