In a strongly worded order, the Delhi High Court on Thursday (2 April) directed the immediate removal of the controversial song “Volume 1” associated with Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah from all digital platforms, citing its explicit and derogatory content.
Background of the Case
The matter came before the Court on a petition filed by an organisation, Hindu Shakti Dal, seeking deletion of the song from platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and other social media intermediaries.
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The plea pointed out that despite being an old track from the early 2000s, the song recently resurfaced during a live concert where Honey Singh allegedly performed portions of it, raising concerns about its continued circulation.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, after personally reviewing the song, expressed strong disapproval of its content.
“The Court finds this to be one of those rare cases where the conscience of the Court is shocked to its absolute core,” the judge remarked.
The Bench noted that the lyrics were not only vulgar but also “deeply derogatory towards women” and lacking any artistic or social value.
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It further observed,
“The lyrics are ex facie dehumanising and attempt to normalise the treatment of women as objects of ridicule and sexual gratification.”
Highlighting concerns over public accessibility, especially to minors, the Court added that such material cannot be justified under the right to free speech or artistic expression.
The Court passed a blanket direction to the Union government, social media platforms, and music streaming services to ensure that the song is completely removed.
“In whatever form this song is available, it has to be taken down… We cannot allow even the slightest of it to remain on social media,” the Court said.
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It also directed Honey Singh, Badshah, and any rights holders to remove the song and all its versions, including remixes, from their platforms.
Additionally, the petitioner was granted liberty to identify and submit URLs containing the song to the authorities, who must act promptly to block such content.
The Delhi High Court ordered the immediate and complete takedown of the song “Volume 1” from all digital and social media platforms, directing authorities to ensure that no version of the content remains accessible online.
Case Title: Hindu Shakti Dal & Anr v. Union of India & Ors
