The Delhi High Court today sought a response from the Central government in a petition seeking a direction to the authorities to ban obscene and vulgar non-film songs available on the internet (Neha Kapoor v. Union of India).

The petition, which is in the nature of a public interest litigation, also sought the constitution of a regulatory authority or censor board to mandatorily review non-film songs, their lyrics and videos which are available to public through various platforms like YouTube.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jasmeet Singh issued notice in the petition preferred by Advocates Neha Kapoor and Mohit Badhu (petitioners).

The petitioners raised concern that vulgar and obscene non-film songs have adverse effects on children of impressionable age and are against Indian culture.

"The contents of the obscene/ vulgar/demeaning non-film songs and videos question the dignity of women and clearly imply the objectification of women in the society and have the effect of instigating people to disrespect/ embarrass women specially. Further such songs are clearly promoting drug/ alcohol abuse with their lyrics. That such lyrics are clearly against the moral values of Indian culture and society and is disgraceful on the face of it," the petition said

For reference, the petition quoted lyrics from Tony and Neha Kakkar's song 'Shona Shona', YoYo Honey Singh's songs 'Saiyaan Ji' and 'Makhana'.

The petitioners stated that while scenes pertaining to consumption of alcohol/cigarettes in films come with a "warning", no such disclaimer is mandated for non-film songs.

It was also argued that the lyrics of some music videos are "nothing less than embarrassing" and in spite of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Section 294 IPC (which deals with obscene acts and songs), no action has been taken by authorities.

The petition was filed through Advocate Rishu Singh. The matter will be heard next on May 17.