Kamal Ghorui
The Union government has officially announced a ban on the song ‘Sarke Chunariya’ after it sparked widespread outrage over its lyrics and visuals. While reports suggested on Tuesday that the Government has instructed the CBFC to take strict action on the song which features Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw has now officially confirmed the move in the Lok Sabha while responding to a query raised by Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadouria.Speaking in Parliament, Vaishnaw stated that action had already been taken against the track and underlined that the right to freedom of speech in India is not unrestricted. He stressed that all expression must adhere to the reasonable limitations set by the Constitution. “The song has already been banned,” Vaishnaw said during the parliamentary discussion, as quoted by ANI. He added, “I would like to say this clearly that we should follow the reasonable restrictions imposed by the creators of the Constitution of India on freedom of speech.“
He further pointed to Article 19(2) of the Constitution, which allows restrictions on free speech in matters related to public order, decency, and morality, among other considerations. He added, “Freedom of speech cannot be absolute. It has to be in the context of society and culture. We must follow the reasonable restrictions imposed by the creators of the Constitution,” he said, adding, “And in that, very carefully, in the coming time, the way things are spreading rapidly today through digital means, in that, for the protection of the society, especially for the protection of children, for the protection of women, for the protection of the deprived groups of the society, whatever hard actions should be taken, the government is ready to take them.”See More: Nora Fatehi breaks silence on backlash for ‘Sarke Chunar’ song: ‘They did not take approval from me, shot 3 years ago’The controversy began soon after the song’s release. Critics accused the track of promoting vulgarity and objectifying women, triggering widespread backlash.The issue quickly gained momentum, with several individuals and organisations demanding strict action against the creators. Complaints were filed seeking the registration of an FIR and removal of the song, intensifying the debate in the days leading up to its discussion in Parliament.Among those who publicly criticised the song were the Haryana and Karnataka Women Commissions, along with actor-politicians Ravi Kishan and Kangana Ranaut, as well as singer Armaan Malik, all of whom described the lyrics as objectionable.In addition, a legal petition has been submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), urging an immediate ban and removal of the song on the grounds that its content is obscene and potentially harmful to minors.
