The Delhi High Court on Thursday came down heavily on a controversial song linked to Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah, calling its content "grossly vulgar" and "deeply derogatory towards women."
Hearing a plea against the track Volume 1, which belonged to the two artists as part of their early 2000s Indian hip-hop group Mafia Mundeer, the court ordered an immediate takedown of the song from all digital platforms, including social media and music streaming sites. The bench observed that the lyrics were "obscene" and said that no civilised society can permit such content to remain freely accessible online.
In strong remarks, the court noted that this was among the rare cases where the "conscience of the court is shocked to its absolute core." It further stated that even the title of the song was so explicit that it could not be reproduced in a judicial order.
The bench also directed that not just the original version, but any remixes, clips, or partial reproductions of the song must be removed, ensuring that no part of it remains in the public domain.
While both Honey Singh and Badshah have reportedly denied involvement in the song, the court recorded that verses from it were performed during a concert, prompting further scrutiny.
The track, which dates back to the early 2000s and was associated with the Mafia Mundeer collective, has long been criticised for its explicit and misogynistic lyrics. The group was founded by Honey Singh and was crucial in popularising desi rap. It featured a line-up of artists who became major Bollywood/pop stars, including Badshah, Raftaar, Ikka, and Lil Golu. The group, known for hits like Dope Shope, disbanded in 2012 due to internal disputes over credit.
