HC seeks Centre’s reply on songs glorifying liquor

A PIL filed by two advocates has sought an immediate ban on songs that promote use of drugs and alcohol

Mention of alcohol in songs maybe passé for a long time, but two recent songs alleged to be “glorifying the consumption of alcohol and drugs” became the subject of a public interest litigation petition before the Bench of the Chief Justice in the High Court here on Wednesday.

The Delhi High Court sought the Centre’s response on the petition seeking an immediate ban on such songs .

The court also asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to explain if such songs could be banned once the film had received Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approval. Two advocates sought direction to the Ministry to ban two songs — ‘Chaar botal vodka’ and ‘Mai alcoholic hoon’— from playing or public display and other similar numbers.

The petitioners said that they have been constantly hearing and watching these songs, which seemed ‘uprightly glorifying and promoting’ drugs and alcohol, through films, FM and Sunday entertainment channels.

They said that they went through the Cinematography Act, 1956.

“It is after the complete reading of the act and the guidelines, they got sure of the intention of the law which is to stop screening films which tend to glorify or promote drugs and alcohol,” the petition said.