07 May,2026 05:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Yo Yo Honey Singh (Instagram)
Rapper-singer Yo Yo Honey Singh has denied singing the controversial track Volume 1 during proceedings in the Delhi High Court, leading the court to direct him to submit an affidavit clarifying his stand. The case surrounding the song has sparked massive debate online after the court earlier ordered the removal of the track from digital platforms over its allegedly obscene and derogatory lyrics.
The controversy began after a petition filed by Hindu Shakti Dal sought a ban on the song, claiming that its lyrics were vulgar, offensive towards women and inappropriate for public circulation. After hearing the matter, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav strongly criticised the content of the song and ordered its immediate removal from online platforms, including YouTube, Spotify and social media websites.
During the recent hearing, Honey Singh reportedly distanced himself from the song and denied being one of its singers. The court, however, questioned the claim after references were made to the rapper allegedly performing portions of the track during concerts in recent years. As a result, the court directed Honey Singh to file an affidavit formally stating his position regarding the song and his association with it.
The track, believed to date back to the early Mafia Mundeer days featuring Honey Singh and Badshah, has remained controversial for years due to its explicit lyrics. The court observed that the song was "grossly vulgar" and "patently obscene," adding that such material could not be justified in the name of artistic freedom. Justice Kaurav reportedly stated that the court's conscience was "shocked to its absolute core" after listening to the song privately in chambers.
The High Court also ordered authorities and streaming platforms to ensure complete removal of not just the original song but also remixes, excerpts and lyric reproductions. The bench stressed that even short clips circulating on social media should be taken down to prevent further dissemination.
The case has triggered mixed reactions online. While many social media users supported the court's decision and criticised the song's misogynistic content, others questioned why a nearly two-decade-old track was being targeted now. Discussions on Reddit and X reflected divided opinions, with some calling the ban necessary while others viewed it as excessive censorship.
Although Honey Singh has denied singing the track, the legal scrutiny around Volume 1 continues to intensify. The court is expected to examine further submissions from the artists and digital platforms in the upcoming hearings as the controversy surrounding the song refuses to die down.
