The National Commission for Women has issued summons to actors Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt following a controversy over a recently released song that allegedly contains sexually explicit lyrics.
Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports, the Commission has also summoned lyricist Raqueeb Alam, producer Venkat K. Narayana of KVN Group, and Kiran Kumar to appear before it on March 24 with relevant documents.
“Failure to appear may invite appropriate action as per law,” it said.
In a statement, the Commission noted that the content prima facie appears to be “sexually suggestive, objectionable,” and potentially in violation of provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
The issue was also raised in the Lok Sabha by Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadoria during Question Hour, who flagged concerns over vulgar content on OTT platforms and social media.
Responding to the matter, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the song has already been banned.
“A ban has been imposed on the song. The framers of the Constitution provided for reasonable restrictions, and we must function within those limits. Freedom of speech cannot be absolute; it must align with societal and cultural contexts,” he said.
The song 'Sarke Chunar', part of the upcoming film KD: The Devil, was released on YouTube earlier this week, featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt in a dance sequence. The song triggered widespread controversy over its allegedly explicit lyrics, prompting the producers to remove it from the platform.
Earlier, singer Mangli issued an apology, stating that the team had no intention of hurting sentiments. She added that the lyrics have been revised and a corrected version will be released soon.
The film, directed by Prem and starring Dhruv Sarja in the lead, is scheduled for release on April 30.
