Receiving threat calls for plaint against Honey Singh: Punjab women panel chief

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Manisha Gulati

Chandigarh, July 10:Punjab State Commission for Women chairperson Manisha Gulati on Wednesday claimed that she had been receiving threat calls and abusive messages on social media after she lodged a complaint against rapper Honey Singh for using lewd lyrics in his song.

Honey Singh and music producer Bhushan Kumar have been booked by Punjab Police on the charge of using vulgar lyrics in the song, ‘Makhna’. 

“I have been receiving threat calls and getting abusive messages on Twitter for lodging a complaint against Yo Yo Honey Singh,” Gulati told reporters here. 

“I am not scared of anyone. I will continue to raise my voice on such issues,” she said.Gulati said she had reported the matter to police. 

Gulati had earlier written to the state home secretary, the Punjab DGP and the IGP (crime), demanding appropriate action against the singer for using objectionable words in the song.  

Honey Singh has been booked under Sections 294 (punishment for obscene song and acts) and 509 (punishment for word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the IPC.  

Police said the rapper had also been booked under Section 67 (punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and relevant section of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, at Mohali.  

Gulati said she had also urged police to arrest Honey Singh as early as possible.

“It is a lesson for singers like Honey Singh who use objectionable words against women,” she said, adding that the women panel would now keep a watch on other singers as well to ensure that vulgar lyrics did not find their way into songs.  

“If he (Honey Singh) applies for bail, we will oppose it,” she said. 

Gulati said she would request Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh to set up the state’s own censor board to keep a check on vulgar songs. PTI