Rapper Badshah is facing mounting legal trouble after the Haryana State Commission for Women called for his arrest in connection with alleged objectionable content in his recently released Haryanvi song Tateeree.
The commission took the step after the rapper failed to appear before the panel by the deadline set earlier this week. The hearing had been scheduled following complaints regarding the song’s lyrics and visuals, which the commission said were insulting to women and girls in Haryana.
Commission orders action after missed appearance
Badshah had been directed to appear before the Haryana State Commission for Women in Panipat by 3 PM on Friday. The notice had been issued on March 6, asking him to respond to allegations related to the controversial song. After he did not appear, commission chairperson Renu Bhatia announced that instructions had been issued for his arrest and further action.
As reported by PTI, she told reporters, “I have ordered SP Panipat to get Badshah arrested from anywhere, any place and issue search orders.”
Bhatia also said that the commission had recommended that the rapper’s passport be seized so that he cannot leave the country while the investigation is underway.
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She added that the panel had summoned Badshah to explain the song “in which Haryana daughters have been insulted with inappropriate words and language.” According to her, FIRs have already been registered in Panchkula and Jind in connection with the matter.
The commission also rejected a request from lawyers representing the rapper, who had asked for additional time.
Responding to the situation, one of Badshah’s lawyers told reporters in Panipat that they had brought an authority letter from the artist and sought more time because the summons had not been received.
“Under the law, everyone has the right to present their side. But here that is not being given,” the lawyer claimed.
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Police action and apology from Badshah
The controversy surrounding Tateeree intensified soon after the song’s release, with several groups criticising its lyrics and visuals. In response to the backlash, Badshah later posted a video on Instagram apologising to those who felt offended and announced that the song would be removed.
Meanwhile, Panchkula police have begun the process of issuing a look-out circular against the rapper to prevent him from leaving the country. Authorities said multiple police teams have been formed to locate him and are conducting raids at various locations.
In a statement, the police said the music video portrays minor girls wearing school uniforms and throwing away their school bags while running away from studies.
The statement said, “The use of words such as Badshala in the song has also been found to depict the school environment and education in a misleading and inappropriate manner. Furthermore, objectionable and derogatory expressions towards women and girls have also been identified in the lyrics."
The investigation is still ongoing as authorities continue to review the content of the song and the complaints filed against the rapper.
