Haryana Women’s Panel Orders Arrest of Rapper Badshah Over Tateeree Song
Haryana State Commission for Women orders arrest of rapper Badshah for failing to appear over alleged objectionable lyrics in the Tateeree music video.
The Haryana State Commission for Women on Friday ordered the arrest of rapper musician Badshah after he failed to appear before the panel within the stipulated deadline.
Badshah was summoned by the commission over alleged objectionable lyrics and visuals in his recently released Haryanvi music video Tateeree.
The commission’s chairperson Renu Bhatia had earlier warned that strict action would follow if Badshah did not appear before the panel by 3 pm on Friday.
A notice had been issued to the rapper on March 6 asking him to appear before the commission in Panipat regarding the alleged objectionable lyrics in the song.
Commission Directs Passport Seizure
Speaking to reporters in Panipat, Bhatia said she had directed authorities to seize Badshah’s passport to prevent him from leaving the country.
Bhatia said Badshah had been asked to appear before the commission on March 13 for the song “in which Haryana daughters have been insulted with inappropriate words and language”.
She also said FIRs had already been registered in Panchkula and Jind in connection with the song.
Lawyers Seek More Time
According to Bhatia, lawyers representing Badshah appeared before the commission and sought additional time for his appearance. The request was not accepted.
She also said she had written to the National Commission for Women requesting that no show by the rapper be allowed anywhere in the country.
A lawyer representing Badshah told reporters in Panipat that they had brought an authority letter from the rapper and requested more time, stating that the summons had not been received.
The lawyer said the rapper had apologised if anyone’s sentiments were hurt by the song and that the music video had been removed from YouTube.
"Under the law, everyone has the right to present their side. But here that is not being given," the lawyer said.
Police Action and FIR
Earlier, the Haryana Police began the process of issuing a look out circular against Badshah to prevent him from leaving the country.
The Panchkula Police on March 6 registered an FIR following a complaint by a local resident alleging objectionable lyrics and visuals in the music video.
Sections 3 and 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 and Section 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to obscene acts and songs were invoked against the rapper.