Singer Badshah's Petition Withdrawn as Police Decide Not to Act on Impugned Order
In a significant development at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the petition filed by renowned singer Aditya P. Singh, more popularly known as Badshah, seeking to set aside a notice/order for the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and arrest concerning allegations under the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and Section 296 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, has been disposed of. The petition was filed in response to summons issued by the Haryana State Commission for Women regarding Badshah's song "Tateeree" which was circulated on various online platforms including YouTube.
The legal proceedings, presided over by Justice Jagmohan Bansal, hinged on the impugned notice dated 13th March 2026, which directed the Superintendent of Police, Panipat, to register an FIR against the singer. The FIR had initially been registered at Police Station Cyber Crime, Panchkula, alleging offenses under Sections 3 and 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and Section 296 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
During the hearing, the State counsel informed the court, based on instructions from the Superintendent of Police, Panipat, that no action would be taken against Badshah based on the impugned order. Furthermore, the Look Out Circular issued against the singer was withdrawn, and it was acknowledged that Badshah had already joined the investigation at Panchkula. In light of these developments, the petitioner's counsel chose not to press the petition, leading to its disposal.
The court's decision brings a moment of relief to the artist, who faced legal challenges over his artistic expression. The case sheds light on the ongoing dialogue between creative freedom and legal boundaries in the context of modern digital media and representations.
Bottom Line:
Petition seeking setting aside of the notice/order directing registration of FIR and arrest concerning allegations under the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and Section 296 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 - Police authorities informed court that no action would be taken based on the impugned order - Petition disposed of as not pressed.
Statutory provision(s): Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India, Sections 3 and 4 of Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, Section 296 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
