‘Grossly vulgar, derogatory to women': Delhi HC orders removal of Honey Singh, Badshah song

New Delhi: Calling it one of the most disturbing cases it had encountered, the Delhi High Court on Thursday ordered the immediate removal of the song Volume 1, associated with Honey Singh and Badshah, from all online platforms. The court observed that it was “grossly vulgar,” “obscene,” and “derogatory towards women,” designed to “normalise the treatment of women as objects of ridicule and sexual gratification.”
The track was originally released around 2006–07 as part of the duo’s collaboration under the banner Mafia Mundeer.

Court calls lyrics ‘patently obscene’

A bench led by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, while hearing a petition filed by Hindu Shakti Dal, noted that the lyrics went beyond being merely offensive. The court observed that they were, on the face of it, designed to reinforce the objectification of women.

The petitioner’s counsel argued that although both artistes have previously denied performing the song, Honey Singh reportedly rendered parts of it at a concert in Delhi, which reignited the controversy around its origins.

Freedom of expression cannot justify dissemination

The court held that allowing such material to remain accessible online, particularly to minors, cannot be defended as an exercise of artistic freedom. It directed the singers, along with any other individuals claiming rights over the track, to ensure its removal from all social media and online platforms.

“This is one of the rare cases where the conscience of the court is shocked to its absolute core,” the bench observed. It added that the lyrics were not only offensive but clearly intended to normalise degrading portrayals of women, which undermines artistic values and societal standards.

Strong observations by the bench

The court further stated that interim directions were necessary, emphasising that no civilised society can allow such content to remain freely accessible or monetised online. It ordered immediate removal of all URLs hosting the song across platforms.

The bench also noted that the track was played in chambers earlier in the day, and its title was found to be so objectionable that it could not be reproduced in the official order.

The court issued notices to Honey Singh and Badshah and listed the matter for further hearing on May 7.

Petition Highlights Online Reach of the Song

In its plea, Hindu Shakti Dal pointed out that the song had been uploaded on YouTube by multiple users under different accounts, where it accumulated millions of views. The petition also stated that both artistes had denied involvement over the years, but alleged that portions of the song were performed during a Delhi concert on March 14.

Google says URLs already removed

During the proceedings, counsel representing Google informed the court that the URLs identified in the petition had already been taken down. The company also noted that details of its grievance redressal mechanism are publicly accessible.