Child protection officer writes to Pune police chief over Honey Singh’s ‘vulgar’ songs

In the letter, officer asked the police department to ensure the contents of Honey Singh’s programme remain 'appropriate, socially responsible and in conformity with child protection principles and statutory safeguards'.

Pune: Pune district child protection officer Mangesh Jadhav has written to city Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar raising concerns about the songs of rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh, which he alleged “glorify alcohol, drugs and gun culture”.

In the letter, Jadhav asked the police department to ensure the contents of Singh’s programme remain “appropriate, socially responsible and in conformity with child protection principles and statutory safeguards”.

He wrote the letter on Thursday, following a complaint submitted to the Maharashtra Women and Child Development Department by one Dr Punditrao Dharenavar from Chandigarh.

“Honey Singh songs such as One Bottle Down, Char Bottle Vodka, Manali Trance, This Party Getting Hot, Makhana, Goliyan, and Millionaire glorify alcohol, drugs and gun culture. In the Honey Singh live concert, minors (less than 18 years) are allowed. If he sings such songs, children can get a bad impact on their mental health,” Jadhav’s letter said.

Singh used “vulgar language” on stage during his show in Mumbai on March 28, the letter added. It was an apparent reference to Singh’s ‘My Story’ tour event in the metropolis, during which he belted out songs like “Millionaire”, “Desi Kalakar”, “Mafia Mundeer” and “Dope Shope”.

“Therefore, you are advised to ensure the content of the programme remains appropriate, socially responsible and in conformity with child protection principles and statutory safeguards,” said Jadhav’s letter to the police commissioner.

Incidentally, the Delhi High Court on Thursday took strong exception to a “vulgar” and “derogatory” song allegedly released by rappers Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah in 2006, saying the track was in complete disregard of even the minimum standards of civility and directed its removal from online platforms.