Even as singer-rappers Honey Singh and Badshah appear to be feuding, their controversial 2009 song, Volume 1, has landed them both in trouble once again. The Delhi High Court has directed Honey Singh and Badshah to immediately take down their 2006–07 song Volume 1 from all social media platforms. The court observed that the song is grossly vulgar, patently obscene, and derogatory towards women, artistic values, and social norms.
The court statement
The court noted that the lyrics are not merely offensive but are ex facie calculated to normalise the portrayal of women as objects of ridicule and sexual gratification. The court further held that permitting the dissemination of such content online, including access by minors, cannot be justified under the guise of artistic freedom of speech.
In a statement, the court noted, “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.”
‘No civilised society can permit such content’
“The court observed that 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.
Both Badshah and Honey Singh began their careers together as members of the rap group Mafia Mundeer, which also featured Ikka, Lil Golu, and Raftaar. The band delivered many popular tracks, such as Khol Botal, Begani Naar Buri, and Delhi Ke Deewane, among others. The band last performed in 2012. They ran into a conflict and a public tiff, following which, the duo parted ways and started taking potshots at each other on social media.
Meanwhile, last month Badshah was embroiled in a controversy following the release of his track Tateeree. The song sparked criticism from several quarters, with many viewers calling out its allegedly explicit lyrics and visuals, which they claim are inappropriate. After the backlash, Badshah took to Instagram to issue an apology, saying he did not intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments.
