The Punjab and Haryana High Court has deemed the petition filed by rapper Hirdesh Singh, also known as Yo Yo Honey Singh, seeking the quashing of an FIR related to “obscene acts and songs” as “infructuous.” This decision came after the Punjab government counsel informed the court that a cancellation report had been prepared, awaiting approval from higher authorities.
Justice Jasjit Singh Bedi clarified that if a chargesheet incriminating Honey Singh is filed at a subsequent stage, he should receive seven days’ notice to exercise his legal remedies.
The court order stated, “In view of the above, the present petition is rendered infructuous. However, in case at a subsequent stage if the report under Section 173(2) of CrPC inculpating the petitioner is to be filed, he shall be given seven days notice in order to avail remedies available to him in accordance with law.”
In 2013, Honey Singh had approached the high court seeking the quashing of FIR No. 79 registered under Section 294 (obscene acts and songs) of IPC. The FIR was filed based on a complaint by an NGO, Human Empowerment League of Punjab (HELP), alleging the existence of an obscene and vulgar song titled “Main Hoon Balatkaari” by Honey Singh, available on YouTube.
The NGO claimed that the song offended the dignity of women, leading to the filing of a PIL. However, the high court disposed of the PIL in July 2013, stating that Honey Singh had been unnecessarily dragged into the matter. The court directed the Punjab government authorities to assess appropriate steps.
Honey Singh’s counsel argued that he is a renowned artist with no connection to the alleged song. The singer has been a victim of frivolous complaints, and the FIR wrongly accuses him of singing a song that he has no association with.
In conclusion, the court’s decision renders the initial petition obsolete, but it emphasizes the provision of a seven-day notice if a chargesheet is filed in the future.
