Delhi HC orders a blanket ban on Honey Singh and Badshah's 2006 song Volume 1

On Thursday, the Delhi High Court instructed the Central government, social media platforms, and music streaming services to remove Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah's contentious song "Volume 1" from all platforms. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued a complete ban, specifying that no portion of the song, including snippets or lyrics, should be accessible online.

The court observed that the lyrics were not just offensive but were clearly designed to normalize the depiction of women as objects of mockery and sexual pleasure. Furthermore, the court determined that allowing the online distribution of such content, including access by minors, could not be defended under the pretext of artistic freedom of expression.

What exactly the court said

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.

"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.

About Volume 1

Honey Singh's song "Volume 1" caused a stir 20 years ago due to explicit lyrics and alleged misogyny, leading to legal issues and protests. The song's popularity was massive, but it also sparked a feud between Honey Singh and Badshah, a former Mafia Mundeer collective member. Badshah accused Honey Singh of sidelining collaborators and taking credit, which Honey Singh denied. The dispute has been ongoing, with both artists having their say.

Badshah’s controversy

Last month, Badshah faced controversy after releasing his track "Tateeree." The song drew criticism from many, with viewers condemning its allegedly explicit lyrics and visuals as inappropriate. In response to the backlash, Badshah issued an apology on Instagram, stating that he did not intend to offend anyone.