[Obscene song case] Nagpur court directs Honey Singh to submit voice sample for investigation

A Nagpur court last week directed rapper and singer Hirdesh Singh alias Yo Yo Honey Singh to present himself before Panchpaoli, Nagpur so that his voice samply can be recorded [Yo Yo Honey Singh v. State of Maharashtra]..Singh has been booked under Sections 292, 293 (obscenity) of Indian Penal Code and Sections 67, 67A of Information Technology Act for singing and uploading obscene songs on the internet.He had been granted anticipatory bail in October 2015 by the Sessions Court at Nagpur subject to certain conditions.The directions to record voice sample were given in Singh's application seeking relaxation of bail conditions imposed on him so that he could travel abroad between January 29 and March 3, 2022..While opposing the application, the Investigation officer at Panchpaoli, Nagpur pointed out that Singh had been directed by Nagpur Judicial Magistrate to record voice sample. For compliance with the same, prosecution had issued letters to the Panchpaoli police station. However, Singh had responded with an email informing his inability to attend the same. The IO stated that since he wasn't co-operating with the investigation, he could not be permitted to go abroad..Singh's counsel pointed out that Singh had attended concerts and musical shows abroad and returned on time without breaching any conditions imposed by the Court. Hence, his application ought to be allowed. .After considering the rival submissions, the Additional Sessions Court said that the applicant was bound by a performance agreement due to which he is required to attend an event in Dubai on three dates.The Court was also assured by Singh of his readiness to give voice sample after the first date of event.During the course of arguments, Singh also modified his prayer seeking permission to travel abroad only between January 29 to February 4. Accordingly, the Court found no impediment to grant permission and allowed his application.Singh was directed to present himself for submitting voice sample between February 4 to 11, 2022.He was granted liberty to file fresh application for further period..[Read Order]