Badshah investigation update: Panchkula probe joined, Tateeree FIR cited in High Court

Rapper-musician Badshah joined the police investigation in Panchkula linked to an FIR alleging objectionable lyrics and visuals in his music video, Tateeree. The Punjab and Haryana High Court was informed that the Look Out Circular against him has been withdrawn, and state counsel said police will not act on the Haryana State Commission for Women's March 13 order.

Rapper-musician Badshah joined the police investigation in Panchkula over an FIR linked to alleged objectionable lyrics and visuals in the music video Tateeree. The Punjab and Haryana High Court was told on Thursday that the Look Out Circular against Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, known as Badshah, was withdrawn. The court also heard that police would not act on the women panel’s March 13 order.

The hearing took place on Badshah’s writ petition before Justice Jagmohan Bansal’s bench. Badshah challenged the Haryana State Commission for Women order dated March 13. That order had directed the Superintendent of Police, Panipat to register an FIR and arrest Badshah. The direction followed summons issued on March 6 by the commission.

Badshah FIR and Panchkula investigation details

An FIR was registered on March 6 at Police Station Cyber Crime, Panchkula. The complaint alleged offenses under Sections 3 and 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women Prohibition Act 1986. It also cited Section 296 of BNS, 2023. Police linked the case to the song’s circulation on online platforms, including YouTube.

Badshah also received a Panchkula police notice asking for immediate appearance. After the case was filed, police said they had started steps to issue a look-out circular. The stated aim was to stop Badshah from leaving the country. The High Court later heard the Look Out Circular was no longer in force.

Badshah case in Punjab and Haryana High Court

State counsel told the High Court that Badshah had already joined the investigation at Panchkula. The submission was made on instructions from the SHO, Cyber Cell, Panchkula. The same counsel said, on directions from the Panipat Superintendent of Police, that no action would be taken based on the March 13 order of the Haryana State Commission for Women.

With these statements on record, Badshah’s counsel did not press the petition further. The court then recorded its final order in open court. It stated: Disposed of as not pressed. The case ended after the court noted the investigation participation and the withdrawal of the Look Out Circular.

Badshah song Tateeree and Haryana State Commission for Women order

The Haryana State Commission for Women issued a notice on March 6, asking Badshah to appear in Panipat. Commission chairperson Renu Bhatia said action would follow if Badshah missed the deadline. The commission later ordered arrest after Badshah did not appear by 3 pm on March 13. The order cited alleged objectionable lyrics and visuals.

Last week, Renu Bhatia told reporters that Badshah was asked to appear for a song. Renu Bhatia said the song used words that insulted Haryana daughters. Badshah later uploaded an Instagram video and apologised. Badshah said sorry if anyone’s sentiments were hurt by the latest song.

The High Court proceedings closed after the state’s assurances and Badshah’s participation in the probe. The FIR filed on March 6 remains tied to allegations about Tateeree’s lyrics and visuals. Police cited the Indecent Representation of Women Prohibition Act, 1986 and BNS Section 296. The Look Out Circular withdrawal and the court’s disposal ended the petition.

With inputs from PTI