Rapper-singer Badshah has been embroiled in controversy over his Haryanvi track Tateeree, which led to massive backlash for its allegedly vulgar lyrics, offensive language, gestures, and visuals showing girls in school uniforms. The Haryana State Commission for Women had issued a summons to the singer, asking him to appear before the commission in Panipat by 3 pm on Friday, however he skipped the summons.
Women`s panel calls for Badshah to be arrested
According to PTI, the chairperson of the Commission, Renu Bhatia, spoke to reporters and announced that she has directed that Badshah’s passport be seized to ensure that he cannot leave the country and that he gets arrested.
She told the press, “I have ordered SP Panipat to get Badshah arrested from anywhere, any place and issue search orders.” Renu said Badshah was asked to appear before the commission by March 13 to explain the contents of the track “in which Haryana daughters have been insulted with inappropriate words and language.”
The chairperson also stated that FIRs have been registered in Panchkula and Jind in this matter.
She further said she had written to the National Commission for Women (NCW), requesting that no Badshah shows be held in the country.
Badshah not given right to present his side, claims lawyer
However, a lawyer representing Badshah told reporters that they had brought an authority letter from the rapper and sought more time, claiming the summons had not been received.
“Under the law, everyone has the right to present their side. But here that is not being given,” the lawyer claimed.
This was corroborated by the chairperson, who revealed that the lawyers representing Badshah had requested the Commission for another date, which was not granted.
Responding to the backlash, Badshah, on March 7, broke his silence in the matter, saying that he himself is a proud Haryanavi and did not wish to show any child or woman in a bad light through his song. He further pointed out that he comes from the Hip-Hop genre, where the lyrics are often meant to bring down the opponent.
He said, “My song Tateeree has been released, and I have seen that its lyrics and visual representation have hurt many people, especially the sentiments of my own people from Haryana. Jo log mujhe jaante hai, woh jaante hai ki meri boli, mera khan-paan, mera rehen-sehen, meri pehchaan Haryana se hai. Mera kabhi aisa koi iraada nahi tha ki main Haryana ke kisi bachon, kisi aurat ke baare mein aise baat kahun.”
