The Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW) has issued another summons to rapper-singer Badshah over the controversy surrounding his Haryanvi track ‘Tateeree’, which has been criticised for allegedly containing objectionable references to women and minors.Officials said the commission sent a fresh notice after the singer did not appear before it earlier. He has now been asked to appear and clarify the intent behind the song’s lyrics. The matter is scheduled to be heard on March 13 at the DC Office in Panipat, where HSCW chairperson Renu Bhatia will preside over the proceedings.The row erupted soon after the song was released earlier this month. Several social groups and activists alleged that both the lyrics and visuals objectify women and contain references that sexualise school-going girls. Organisations such as the Nari Tu Narayani Utthan Samiti and the Shiv Aarti India Foundation filed formal complaints, demanding action against the singer and those involved in producing the video.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the complaints, the commission initiated an inquiry and issued a summons to the artist, whose real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia. HSCW said it would review whether the song’s content violates norms concerning the dignity and representation of women. Commenting on the issue, Renu strongly criticised the track, calling it disrespectful to the “daughters of Haryana.” She said such language in popular music cannot be accepted and warned that if the singer does not cooperate with the inquiry, the commission could recommend restrictions on his performances in the state. She also described the song as “unforgiving” and “insulting,” adding, “Badshah hoga apne ghar ka (He might be the kind of his house).”The controversy has also led to legal action. The Haryana Police have registered an FIR over the allegedly objectionable lyrics and visuals in the music video. Investigators are also looking into other aspects of the production, including the alleged unauthorised use of a Haryana Roadways bus shown in the video.Amid the backlash, Badshah released a public apology through a video message, saying he never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments, especially those of Haryanvis. He also confirmed that the song had been removed from online platforms following the uproar.Authorities said the commission will review the complaints along with the singer’s explanation during the upcoming hearing before deciding on further action.Badshah has also apologised after HSCW issued summons to him. He said in a video, “I never intended to say anything objectionable against any woman or child from Haryana. I am from the hip-hop genre where lyrics often show looking down on competitors. These are never for any woman or child.”He concluded the video with an apology, saying, “I have always tried to take Haryanvi language and culture to new heights. But if anyone is hurt, I seek an apology. I expect that you will forgive me by considering me the son of Haryana.”
