The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the immediate removal of a controversial song allegedly linked to rappers Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah from all online platforms. Presiding over the matter, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav observed that the track’s content—reportedly in circulation since 2006—was “deeply offensive” and lacked any artistic or social merit, noting that its lyrics were demeaning toward women and reduced them to objects.
The court’s intervention follows a petition filed by the Hindu Shakti Dal, which argued that the song promotes misogyny and violence. The judge expressed serious concern over the accessibility of such “vulgar” content to minors, ruling that such portrayals cannot be justified under the guise of free speech or artistic expression.
During the proceedings, Justice Kaurav remarked that the song’s content crossed the acceptable limits of civility. The court was so critical of the track that the judge noted the title itself was too inappropriate to be recorded in the formal judicial order.
The court issued formal notices to both Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah, along with other rights holders, instructing them to ensure the song and its various versions are purged from the internet. Furthermore, the central government has been directed to take necessary steps to block specific links identified by the petitioner that continue to host the track.
The petition claims the song was originally released unofficially around 2006–07. While both artists have reportedly denied involvement in the past, the petitioner pointed out that portions of the song were allegedly performed by Honey Singh at a recent concert, reigniting public outcry and leading to the current legal challenge.
The Hindu Shakti Dal has also sought a public apology from the artists, emphasizing their significant influence as public figures with massive followings. The petitioner argued that the track promotes a culture of “unacceptable portrayal” of women that remains harmful to social standards of decency.
The High Court clarified that while artistic freedom is a protected right, it is not absolute. When content is found to be “derogatory” and “vulgar” to the point of violating basic standards of decency, the state and the judiciary have the authority to restrict its circulation, particularly to protect younger audiences from harmful influences.
