Haryana Police Withdraws Lookout Circular Against Rapper Badshah in Song Controversy
In a significant development, Haryana police on Thursday informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that the lookout circular (LOC) issued against popular rapper Badshah has been officially withdrawn. The authorities further stated that they will not pursue any legal action against the artist based on the March 13 order issued by the Haryana State Commission for Women concerning his controversial song 'Tateeree'. This announcement came during a court hearing where Justice Jagmohan Bansal presided over the matter.
Court Proceedings and Disposal of Petition
Following the state's reply, Justice Jagmohan Bansal disposed of the petition that had been filed by Badshah, whose real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia. The rapper had approached the High Court seeking directions to set aside the women's commission's notice and order, which had instructed the Panipat Superintendent of Police to register an FIR and arrest him in connection with a summons dated March 6. The FIR had been registered on March 6 at the cybercrime police station in Panchkula under the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Background of the Legal Dispute
Badshah's counsel informed the court that the rapper had received a summons on March 6 from the Haryana State Commission for Women regarding a complaint about the song 'Tateeree'. His legal representative appeared before the commission and requested a 'reasonable time' for Badshah's personal appearance, citing his professional commitments as a singer. During the hearing, the state counsel, acting on instructions from the Panchkula cybercell Station House Officer (SHO), submitted to the court that the lookout circular issued against Badshah had been withdrawn. Additionally, based on instructions from the Panipat SP, it was confirmed that the police would not take any action based on the March 13 order from the women's commission.
Resolution and Investigation Status
The petitioner, Badshah, has already joined the investigation process at Panchkula, demonstrating his cooperation with the authorities. After hearing the state's reply, Badshah's counsel chose not to press further on the petition, leading the bench to order the disposal of the matter. This resolution marks a pivotal moment in the case, highlighting the withdrawal of the lookout circular and the cessation of legal actions against the rapper in this context.
Key Points of the Case:
- The lookout circular against Badshah was withdrawn by Haryana police.
- No action will be taken based on the March 13 order from the Haryana State Commission for Women.
- The FIR was registered under the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986 and BNS.
- Badshah has cooperated by joining the investigation in Panchkula.
- The High Court disposed of the petition after the state's submission.
This case underscores the legal complexities surrounding artistic expression and women's rights in India, with the resolution providing clarity on the authorities' stance regarding the controversial song 'Tateeree'.
