Demand To Seize Badshah’s Passport; Call For His Arrest Issued

Singer Aditya Sisodia alias Badshah who is embroiled in the controversy surrounding the song “Tatirri,” failed to appear for the State Women’s Commission hearing in Panipat. His counsel stated that the singer was occupied with a scheduled event and requested an extension of time. In response, Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia expressed severe displeasure.

Furthermore, she directed the police departments of Panipat, Jind, and Panchkula to immediately arrest Badshah and seize his passport. She has also written to the National Commission for Women, demanding a nationwide ban on Badshah’s public performances.

Rapper Badshah has been mired in controversy over the use of indecent lyrics in his song “Tatirri.” An FIR has already been registered against him. Savita Arya, a Panipat resident and President of the ‘Nari Tu Narayani’ (Woman, You Are Divine) organization, had filed a complaint against him with the State Women’s Commission; subsequently, the Commission forwarded complaints against Badshah to the authorities in Panchkula and Jind.

Additionally, a summons was issued requiring him to appear and present his defense during a public hearing scheduled for March 13 at the Panipat District Secretariat. Badshah was expected to appear before the Commission on Friday to present his side of the story, but he failed to show up. On his behalf, his counsel, Akshay Dahiya, appeared before the Commission around 11:00 AM and requested an extension of time.

The counsel stated that Badshah had already tendered an apology regarding the matter. The Commission granted an extension until 3:00 PM; however, Badshah did not appear during the hearing, which continued until that time. Following this, Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia remarked that this constitutes an insult to women. She asserted that, firstly, indecent lyrics were used in a song referring to women, and now, his failure to appear before the Commission amounts to a further insult to them.

Commission Unwilling To Hear Our Side: Counsel

Badshah’s counsel, Akshay Dahiya, stated that they had not received any formal summons; nevertheless, they had appeared solely to request an extension of time, yet the Commission refused to hear their plea. He noted that Badshah has already apologized, and the controversial song has been taken down. Despite these measures, the Commission remains unwilling to listen to their arguments. He alleged that the entire episode is being orchestrated as part of a political agenda.

Can an Arrest Be Effected Solely on the Commission’s Directive?

According to Manoj Kumar, an advocate at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Commission cannot directly issue an order for anyone’s arrest; rather, it can make recommendations regarding an arrest or any other form of action. Similarly, the Commission can recommend to senior officials at the concerned passport office that a specific individual’s passport be revoked.

Under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, the Commission is empowered to receive complaints regarding harassment, violence, or discrimination against women and may seek reports from the police or the administration to investigate such matters. It may issue summonses to require concerned individuals or officials to appear before it. Furthermore, it can recommend that the police or the government take appropriate action. If a cognizable offense is established, the Commission may direct that an FIR be registered or that an investigation be conducted. However, the final decision rests with the police or the courts.