The Delhi High Court has directed the immediate removal of the controversial track “Volume 1”, allegedly associated with rappers Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah, observing that its lyrics are explicitly obscene, degrading and offensive towards women. The Court held that such material cannot be permitted to remain available on public digital platforms and must be taken down without delay.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued the direction while hearing a petition seeking the removal of the song’s audio and video versions from online platforms. The judge said the lyrics were not simply crude or offensive but openly misogynistic and dehumanising, portraying women as objects of ridicule and sexual gratification.
The Court directed the singers and any individuals or entities claiming rights over the song, including those responsible for remixes or alternate versions, to immediately remove all links hosting the track from social media platforms, music streaming services, and other online locations. Notices were also issued to Honey Singh and Badshah in the matter.
Court Finds Song Violates Standards of Public Decency
During the proceedings, the Court examined the content of the song and listened to its lyrics in chambers. Justice Kaurav remarked that the case represented one of the rare occasions where the Court found itself deeply disturbed by the nature of the material being circulated.
The judge observed that the lyrics contained language that was blatantly disrespectful towards women and lacked any identifiable artistic or social merit. According to the Court, the words used in the track reduce women to objects and normalise their humiliation.
The Court further noted that the title of the song itself was so objectionable that it could not be reproduced in the judicial order. Allowing such content to circulate freely on digital platforms, the Court said, reflected a disregard for the minimum standards of dignity and civility expected in a constitutional society.
Highlighting the reach of online platforms, the Court pointed out that the song remained accessible to a wide and diverse audience, including minors. In such circumstances, it said the continued availability of the track could not be justified in the name of creative expression or freedom of speech.
Petition Followed Fresh Controversy Over Concert Performance
The order came on a petition filed by Hindu Shakti Dal, which sought the removal of the song from platforms including YouTube, Google and Spotify. The petition stated that the track had originally been released in the mid-2000s under the banner of the group “Mafia Mundeer”.
According to the petitioner, the song has continued to circulate on digital platforms for years and has gathered millions of views online. The plea further alleged that the issue resurfaced after Honey Singh recently performed portions of the song during a concert at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, indicating his association with the track.
The petitioner clarified that the plea did not seek to restrict legitimate artistic expression but aimed to address content that crosses acceptable limits of decency, dignity and legality.
Directions Issued to Government and Online Platforms
The Court directed that all URLs hosting the song must be blocked immediately. It also granted liberty to the petitioner to compile a list of additional links containing the track, including remixes and modified versions, and submit them to the Union Government for further action.
The petitioner has also been allowed to report newly discovered links through grievance mechanisms made available by major online intermediaries. In case any uncertainty arises regarding compliance, the platforms may seek clarification from the Union Government.
Counsel representing the Union Government informed the Court that if grievances are received from the petitioner regarding the continued circulation of the song, appropriate directions will be issued to the concerned government authorities.
The matter, titled Hindu Shakti Dal and Another vs Union of India and Others, is scheduled for further hearing on May 7.