Actress Neetu Chandra filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Patna High Court, demanding a complete ban on vulgar Bhojpuri songs. She argues that such content negatively impacts society and makes women uncomfortable watching television at home. Chandra emphasizes the need for cleaner, more respectful entertainment.
Bihar: Actress Neetu Chandra, originally from Patna, Bihar, called for a complete ban on vulgar Bhojpuri songs in the state.
She has submitted a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to the Patna High Court, arguing that these songs in both Bhojpuri and Hindi make women feel uncomfortable and unsafe.
In a recent interview with India TV, Chandra expressed her concern that vulgar Bhojpuri songs are particularly impacting school-going girls, making them feel insecure. She urged the court to consider taking legal action against artists who choose to perform such songs.
Noted actress Nitu Chandra has filed a public interest litigation in the Patna High Court, expressing her concerns about the alleged vulgarity in singer Yo Yo Honey Singh’s latest hit, “Maniac.”
The PIL, expected to be heard later this month, names Singh along with his collaborators, including lyricist Leo Grewal and Bhojpuri singers Ragini Vishwakarma and Arjun Ajanabi.
In her petition, Chandra, who hails from Patna and has acted in several Bollywood films while also producing critically acclaimed Bhojpuri and Maithili projects, has requested the court to direct the respondents to “amend the lyrics.”
She has argued that the song “portrays overt sexualization,” depicting “women as mere sex objects.” Additionally, she has claimed that the song employs “Bhojpuri language to normalize vulgarity” and disregards “women’s empowerment.”
Chandra believes that this type of content hinders societal progress and diminishes respect for women.
Some key laws that may be relevant include:
1. Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
- Section 292: Prohibits the sale, distribution, or public exhibition of obscene content, including songs and videos.
- Section 293: Punishes the sale or distribution of obscene materials to young individuals.
- Section 294: Penalizes obscene acts and songs in public places, which can include vulgar or offensive Bhojpuri songs.
2. The Information Technology Act, 2000
- Section 67: Prohibits the publication, transmission, or distribution of obscene content in electronic form, including music videos and songs available online.
3. The Cinematograph Act, 1952
- The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) regulates films and music videos. Songs with vulgar content may be restricted or require certification before public release.
4. Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
- Section 3 & 4: Prohibits any material (including songs) that portray women indecently or degrade their dignity.
5. Fundamental Rights Under the Indian Constitution
- Article 19(2): Allows reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech and expression in the interest of decency and morality.
- Article 21: Protects the dignity of individuals, including women, against degrading content.
6. Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995
- Section 5: Prohibits broadcasting programs that violate decency or morality.
- Program Code (Rule 6 of the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994): Restricts content that degrades women.
If accepted, the petition could lead to stricter enforcement of these laws against vulgar Bhojpuri songs. The court may also direct the government or regulatory bodies to take necessary action.