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Nora Fatehi Song Banned: Vaishnaw Says Free Speech Not Absolute

Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated in Parliament that freedom of speech is not absolute and must operate within societal and cultural frameworks. He confirmed the ban on Nora Fatehi's controversial song 'Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke' from the film 'KD: The Devil'. The song faced severe backlash for its allegedly vulgar lyrics and suggestive choreography, with critics like singer Armaan Malik calling it a "new low". Following legal complaints and public pressure, the makers have reportedly removed the song from YouTube.

Key Points: Nora Fatehi Song Banned | Free Speech Not Absolute: Vaishnaw

  • Song 'Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke' banned
  • Free speech has reasonable restrictions
  • Protection of children and women cited
  • Backlash over vulgar lyrics
  • Song pulled from YouTube
2 min read

Nora Fatehi's song controversy: I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says, 'Freedom of speech cannot be absolute'

I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw defends ban on Nora Fatehi's controversial song, stating freedom of speech must respect culture and society.

"Freedom of speech cannot be absolute. It has to be in the context of the society. - Ashwini Vaishnaw"

Mumbai, March 18

The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has reacted to the controversy surrounding Nora Fatehi's song 'Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke'.

The Union Minister spoke in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, and shared that the freedom of speech should operate within the framework of culture and society.

He also shared that the freedom of speech cannot be absolute, and comes with its set of conditions. Responding to the issue raised by MP Anand Bhadauria of SP in the Lok Sabha, Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "The song that the Member of Parliament mentioned has already been banned. I would like to clearly convey to the entire House through you that regarding freedom of speech. We should follow the reasonable restrictions imposed by the creators of the Constitution of India on freedom of speech. Freedom of speech cannot be absolute. It has to be in the context of the society".

He further mentioned, "It has to be in the context of the culture. 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, the government is ready to take any hard action".

The controversy around Nora Fatehi centers on the song 'Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke' from the film 'KD: The Devil'. Soon after release, the track drew widespread backlash for allegedly vulgar lyrics and suggestive choreography. Critics, including singer Armaan Malik, called the writing a "new low", while social media users labeled the content inappropriate.

The issue escalated with legal complaints seeking a ban, citing concerns over its impact on minors and public decency. Amid mounting pressure, the makers reportedly pulled the song from YouTube, reflecting the growing tension between creative freedom and societal standards in mainstream Indian music.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I agree we need to protect our cultural fabric, where do we draw the line? Tomorrow, any creative expression that someone finds 'offensive' could be targeted. This sets a dangerous precedent for censorship. The song was for an adult audience anyway.
A
Arjun K
Saw the song. It was definitely vulgar and the choreography was too much for Indian screens. We have enough Western influence spoiling our media. Glad it was pulled. Our films and music should reflect Indian sensibilities, not copy cheap foreign trends. 👍
S
Sarah B
As someone living in India for the past 5 years, I find this debate fascinating. In the West, such content might get an age rating. Here, the concern for societal impact seems much deeper. The Minister's point about protecting children in the digital age is valid globally.
K
Karthik V
The problem is selective outrage. There are dozens of songs with questionable lyrics that no one talks about. Why single out Nora Fatehi? Feels like she's an easy target. The system needs clearer, consistent guidelines, not knee-jerk bans based on who complains the loudest.
M
Meera T
Absolutely agree with the Minister. Our constitution itself talks about reasonable restrictions. We can't have everything in the name of 'art'. Think of the young generation watching this on phones everywhere. Content creators need to be more responsible. Jai Hind.

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