Submit Details Of Songs Banned For Promoting Glorification Of Weapons In Punjab: High Court To DGP

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has sought comprehensive affidavits from Punjab Government on details of songs that have been banned or recommended for ban for promoting glorification of weapons and violence.

Justice Harkesh Manuja also sought information on, "What is the procedure adopted to achieve the same specifically taking into consideration the Article 19 of the Constitution of India and also that there are various mode for broadcasting a song like TV/internet/public functions/live shows etc?"

The development came after the High Court had taken strong objection to the widespread use of firearms in public functions and the use of licensed guns to commit crimes in Punjab, observing that "there is no visible change" despite the ban.

The Punjab Government in 2022 had banned use and display of firearms in public places and on social media and accordingly officers were instructed to conduct surprise visits in the areas falling under their respective jurisdiction.

Previously, the Court had directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to file his own affidavit pertaining to the details on guidelines on issuing arm license and action taken to implement the State's order.

However, in the present proceeding the Court found that the State failed to file a comprehensive affidavit.

Perusing affidavits the Court said "...information sought has only been provided in bits and pieces."

Consequently, the judge directed the DGP Punjab to file a comprehensive affidavit on information including the following:

Whom do you refer to as 'anti-social elements' and what is the criteria for defining anti-social elements? Whose subjective satisfaction is required and what is the basis for determining anti-social elements?

How many Gun Houses were found to be fake and without license and what action have been taken against them?

How many live/public shows, complaints were received for this reason from the general public or from the deployed police officials?

FIRs registered for speeches provoking hatred against any community including the no of cases in which recommendations were sent for cancellation of license to the District Magistrate on this account. 

What are the steps being taken at state level to curb the fake arms license racket?

 The matter is listed for May 13, for further consideration.

GURBHEJ SINGH ALIAS BHEJA VERSUS STATE OF PUNJAB

Karanjeet Singh Brar, Advocate for the petitioner.

Rahul Jindal, Assistant Advocate General, Punjab

 Inderpreet Singh, Advocate for the complainant.

Click here to read/download the order