The Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW) has ordered authorities to make an immediate arrest of the rapper Badshah whose real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia and to confiscate his passport. Badshah did not show up for his scheduled March 13 court appearance because he needed to respond to allegations concerning his Haryanvi song “Tateeree” which caused a major public disturbance across the state.
The commission identified both the musical composition and lyrical content of “Tateeree” as being objectionable because they used “indecent and vulgar language” which disrespected women and girls from Haryana. The panel judged the school girls who danced while removing their school bags to be displaying dangerous elements which would mislead about proper educational settings.
Authorities at the Cyber Police Station in Panchkula filed an FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 296 which deals with obscene acts and songs and Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act of 1986 Sections 3 and 4.
HSCW Chairperson Renu Bhatia has instructed the Superintendents of Police in Panipat and Panchkula to arrest Badshah “from anywhere” and seize his passport to prevent him from leaving the country. The commission has also approached the National Commission for Women (NCW) to request a complete performance ban for Badshah throughout the country.
Despite requests from Badshah’s legal team for a 15-day extension and a video conference hearing due to security concerns, the commission denied both requests.
In response, Badshah issued a public apology via video, emphasising his roots as a “son of Haryana” and insisting he had no intention of hurting anyone’s sentiments. The music video has since been removed from YouTube.
