‘Vulgarity is vulgarity, no region’: Delhi HC dismisses PIL against Honey Singh’s song ‘Maniac’

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday, March 26, refused to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against singer Honey Singh’s latest song Maniac, which was accused of objectifying women and using vulgar lyrics. The court advised the petitioner, Lavkush Kumar, to seek appropriate legal remedies under civil or criminal law instead, reported Live Law.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela heard the plea, which challenged certain lyrics of the song, claiming they contained “Bhojpuri vulgarity.”

The Chief Justice strongly objected to the regional categorisation of vulgarity, stating, “Vulgarity does not have a region. You say Bhojpuri vulgarity. What is this? Tomorrow you'll say Delhi is vulgar. Vulgarity is vulgarity. No region.”

The petitioner’s counsel argued that the song had garnered millions of views on YouTube and urged the court to take action. However, the bench clarified that if the petitioner believed the song promoted obscenity, he should file a complaint or an FIR, as per legal procedure.

“If there is an offence and it is cognizable, then please lodge a complaint or FIR. If it is not lodged, you know the procedure,” the court stated, asserting that legal recourse was available.

The judges further noted that a writ petition could not be issued in this matter, as writs are generally applicable to the state or public authorities, whereas this case fell under private law. The court reiterated that if the petitioner felt aggrieved, he should explore remedies under criminal or civil law.

Additionally, the bench criticised the generalisation of Bhojpuri music, remarking, “Everywhere you have said Bhojpuri songs. You cannot justify this. Perhaps you are not aware of the Bhojpuri culture and Bhojpuri songs. Don’t do this.”

Following these observations, the petitioner withdrew the PIL, with the court granting liberty to pursue other legal options.

“The petition is dismissed with the liberty as prayed for,” the court concluded.