Delhi High Court Orders Takedown Of Honey Singh, Badshah's 'Volume 1' From Streaming Platforms Over Obscene Lyrics

(MENAFN- Live Mint) ** New Delhi:** The Delhi High Court has ordered the immediate removal of a controversial song linked to Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah from all streaming and digital platforms, calling its lyrics“grossly vulgar” and derogatory towards women, according to a report by LiveLaw.

Court flags lyrics as obscene, says content lacks any social value

The order was passed by Justice Purushaindra Kaurav while hearing a plea seeking deletion of the track, Volume 1, which was originally released under the“Mafia Mundeer” label.

Taking a strong view, the court observed that the content of the song was so explicit that even its title could not be recorded in a formal judicial order. After reviewing the lyrics in chambers, the bench remarked that the case was among the rare instances where its“conscience was shaken to the core.”

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The court said the lyrics were ex facie obscene, demeaning and dehumanising towards women, and added that the content was devoid of any artistic, literary or social value. It further noted that such material reduces women to objects of ridicule and reflects a complete disregard for basic societal norms.

Immediate takedown across streaming platforms, social media and all online links

Directing strict action, the High Court ordered the singers, as well as any individual or entity holding rights to the song or its derivative versions, to immediately take down all URLs hosting the track. This includes availability across streaming platforms, social media handles, video-sharing websites and any other online intermediaries where the song may have been uploaded or shared.

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The court made it clear that the wide accessibility of such content - including to minors - makes the issue more serious. It underlined that freedom of speech and artistic expression cannot be used as a shield to justify content that violates minimum standards of decency in society.

The bench also pointed out that the monetisation and mass circulation of such material on digital platforms aggravates the concern, as it enables objectionable content to reach a far wider audience without adequate checks.

Petitioner allowed to flag more content; Centre assures compliance

The petition in the case was filed by Hindu Shakti Dal, which sought removal of both audio and video versions of the song from major platforms such as YouTube, Google and Spotify.

The court granted liberty to the petitioner to compile and submit a list of additional links carrying the song, including remixes and altered versions, to the Union government. Authorities have been directed to issue necessary instructions to intermediaries for blocking or removing such content.

In addition, the petitioner may use grievance redressal mechanisms provided by digital platforms to report newly discovered URLs. In case of ambiguity, intermediaries have been given the option to seek clarification from the government.

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Counsel appearing for the Centre assured the court that appropriate action would be taken promptly upon receiving complaints or verified links related to the song.

The matter is scheduled to be heard next on May 7.

The order adds to a growing body of judicial scrutiny over online content in India, particularly in cases where courts are required to balance the right to free expression with concerns around obscenity, gender sensitivity and public decency in the digital space.

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