Singer-rapper Badshah has found himself in the middle of a controversy following the release of his latest Haryanvi song Tateeree, drawing sharp reactions over obscenity and vulgarity. After the Haryana State Commission for Women issued orders to arrest Badshah, the National Commission for Women has summoned the singer. It has also summoned the directors and producer of the song.
NCW summons Badshah over song Tateeree
The National Commission for Women has summoned singer Badshah and others over alleged obscenity and vulgarity in his Haryanvi track Tateeree. In a statement, the Commission said the content of the song prima facie appears to be objectionable and violative of provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
“The National Commission for Women, in exercise of its powers under the NCW Act, 1990, has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports alleging obscenity and vulgarity in the song ‘Tattiri / Tatihari’,” the statement said. The NCW added that it has also summoned directors Mahi Sandhu and Joban Sandhu, and producer Hiten, to appear before it on March 25.
They have been asked to be present along with relevant documents, the Commission said. “Failure to appear may invite appropriate action as per law,” it added.
More about song controversy
Badshah was recently served a notice by the Haryana State Women’s Commission, asking him to appear before it on March 13 to record his statement. The notice was issued following a complaint by Savita Arya, president of Nari Tu Narayani Sanstha, Panipat, and Shiv Kumar, head of Shiv Aarti Foundation.
In the complaint, they objected to the line “Aaya Badshah doli chaddhane, in sabki ghodi banane”, claiming that the song used filthy language and featured minor girls in school dress boarding a Haryana Roadways bus and throwing their school bags. On Friday, the Haryana State Commission for Women issued orders to arrest Badshah after he failed to appear before the deadline.
Meanwhile, Panchkula police had initiated the process to issue a look-out circular against Badshah to prevent him from leaving the country, a day after he was booked. The police said the video depicts minor girls wearing school uniforms throwing away their school bags and appearing to run away from studies. The use of words such as “Badshala” in the song has also been found to depict the school environment and education in a misleading and inappropriate manner.
Badshah had recently uploaded a video on his official Instagram handle, apologising if anyone’s sentiments were hurt by his latest song.
