Haryana Women's Commission Directs Police to Arrest Rapper Badshah
The Haryana State Commission for Women has taken a firm stance against rapper-musician Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, widely known as Badshah, issuing a direct order for his arrest. This decisive action comes after the artist failed to appear before the commission by the stipulated deadline of 3 pm on Friday, in connection with serious allegations regarding his Haryanvi music video titled "Tateeree."
Commission Chairperson Issues Stern Directive
Commission chairperson Renu Bhatia has explicitly directed the Panipat Superintendent of Police to execute the arrest of Badshah from any location and to issue necessary search orders. Speaking to reporters in Panipat, Bhatia emphasized that strict action would follow non-compliance, stating, "I have ordered SP Panipat to get Badshah arrested from anywhere, any place and issue search orders."
In a significant escalation, Bhatia has also requested authorities to seize the rapper's passport to prevent him from leaving the country, underscoring the gravity with which the commission views the case.
Allegations of Objectionable Content and Insult to Women
The commission had originally issued a notice to Badshah on March 6, summoning him to appear in Panipat. The allegations center on claims that the song "Tateeree" contains objectionable language and visuals that insult the women of Haryana. Bhatia articulated the commission's position, noting that Badshah was asked to appear regarding a song "in which Haryana daughters have been insulted with inappropriate words and language."
She further elaborated on the commission's mandate, stating, "Women's commissions are there to protect daughters and have to give them an environment where they become officers, teachers, engineers and doctors. If anyone raises an eye towards her, the Commission will take stern action."
Legal Proceedings and Police Actions
According to Bhatia, First Information Reports (FIRs) have already been registered in Panchkula and Jind districts in connection with the controversial song. The Panchkula police have initiated the process of issuing a look-out circular against Badshah to prevent any potential flight from the country. This move followed a day after he was formally booked over the alleged objectionable lyrics and visuals.
Police have also issued a notice demanding his immediate appearance, and multiple police teams have been formed, conducting raids at various locations to trace the rapper. The FIR, registered on March 6 based on a complaint from a Panchkula resident, invokes Sections 3 and 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, along with Section 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to obscene acts and songs.
Police Statement on Video Content
In an official statement, Panchkula police detailed their concerns regarding the music video. They noted that the video depicts minor girls in school uniforms discarding their school bags and appearing to run away from studies. The police statement highlighted, "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. Furthermore, objectionable and derogatory expressions towards women and girls have also been identified in the lyrics."
Badshah's Response and Legal Representation
A lawyer representing Badshah addressed reporters in Panipat, presenting an authority letter from the rapper and requesting additional time, citing that the summons had not been properly received. The lawyer asserted, "Under the law, everyone has the right to present their side. But here that is not being given."
He also conveyed that Badshah had apologized if anyone's sentiments were hurt and confirmed that the song had been removed from YouTube. Prior to this, Badshah had uploaded a video on his official Instagram account expressing regret if the song had caused offense.
Escalation to National Level
In a further development, Chairperson Renu Bhatia has sent a request to the National Commission for Women (NCW), urging them to ensure that none of Badshah's shows are permitted to take place anywhere in the country. This step indicates a potential nationwide impact on the rapper's professional engagements, reflecting the commission's determination to address the issue comprehensively.
The situation remains fluid as legal and police actions continue to unfold, with the Haryana State Commission for Women maintaining a vigilant stance to uphold what it perceives as the dignity and respect of women in the state.
