National Commission for Women Takes Action Against Allegedly Obscene Songs
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has escalated its regulatory oversight by issuing formal summons to the creators of two controversial songs – 'Tateeree' and 'Sarke Chunar' – following widespread media reports alleging explicit content and vulgarity. This decisive move underscores the commission's commitment to enforcing content standards and protecting women's dignity in media representations.
Legal Grounds and Official Statements
Through its official X handle on Thursday morning, the NCW declared that preliminary examination indicates the content "prima facie appears to be objectionable and violative of provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita." The commission has invoked its authority under the NCW Act of 1990 to take suo motu cognizance of the matter, demonstrating proactive intervention in response to public concerns.
The regulatory body specifically referenced multiple legislative frameworks in its communications, including:
- The Information Technology Act
- The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Specific Summons and Requirements
For the song 'Tateeree', the NCW has directed summons to:
- Badshah (singer and lyricist)
- Mahi Sandhu (director)
- Hiten (producer)
These individuals have been instructed to appear before the commission on March 25, 2026 at 12:30 PM, bringing all relevant documentation. The official notice explicitly warns that failure to comply "may invite appropriate action as per law."
Regarding 'Sarke Chunar', the commission has summoned:
- Nora Fatehi (actress)
- Sanjay Dutt (actor)
- Venkat K Narayana (producer, KVN Group)
- Kiran Kumar (director)
- Raqueeb Alam (credited for Hindi lyrics)
Their appearance is mandated for March 24, 2026 at 12:30 PM, with similar documentation requirements and legal consequences for non-appearance. The NCW characterized this song's content as "sexually suggestive, objectionable, and violative" of multiple statutes.
Artists' Responses and Industry Reactions
Nora Fatehi has publicly expressed her discontent, clarifying on Instagram that she filmed the Kannada version three years prior without knowledge of the Hindi adaptation. "Whatever they've done right now, which is creating a Hindi version and dubbing the voice in Hindi and having those lyrics, which are very inappropriate, I had no idea about that," she stated. Fatehi emphasized that the producers neither sought her approval nor permission for the Hindi rendition, and she had warned the director about potential backlash after hearing the final version.
Lyricist Raqueeb Alam provided additional context to HT City, explaining that he merely translated existing Kannada lyrics written by director Prem. "These lyrics were not written by me; they were originally written by director Prem in Kannada. When I was asked to write this, I refused, saying such songs won't work and would be censored," Alam revealed, noting he was instructed to simply translate the content to fit the song's meter.
Regulatory Context and Previous Actions
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) clarified to ANI that it received no application for certifying 'Sarke Chunar', noting that digital platform content typically falls outside its purview. "It is to be noted clearly that content on digital platforms is not certified by CBFC. There is often confusion about this and CBFC is unnecessarily dragged into matters that are not connected," the board explained.
This development follows Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw's announcement in Lok Sabha regarding a ban imposed on the controversial song.
Separately, the Haryana State Commission for Women had previously summoned Badshah over 'Tateeree'. When the singer failed to appear on March 13, the commission directed Panipat and Panchkula police to arrest him and seize his passport. Chairperson Renu Bhatia told PTI, "I have ordered SP Panipat to get Badshah arrested from anywhere, any place and issue search orders," noting multiple FIRs filed against him in Panchkula and Jind.
Controversy and Apology
Badshah's 'Tateeree' faced immediate scrutiny after its YouTube release, with critics highlighting inappropriate lyrics and concerning visual elements featuring women in school uniforms suggesting minor representation. The singer subsequently removed the video and issued a public apology.
"I am Badshah. My new song Tateeree was recently released, and I have been seeing that many people are offended by its lyrics and visual representation. First of all, I want to clarify that I myself am from Haryana... I never had any intention of portraying women or children in a vulgar manner," he stated, explaining the song originated from hip-hop traditions of competitive disses rather than targeting women or children. "If my song has hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologise. I hope you will see me as a son of Haryana and forgive me."
This escalating situation highlights growing tensions between creative expression, regulatory oversight, and cultural sensitivities in India's entertainment landscape, with significant legal implications for content creators across digital and traditional media platforms.
