Ashwini Vaishnaw Cautions Bollywood: Freedom of Speech Is Not Absolute

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday emphasized that freedom of speech cannot be absolute, responding to the controversy surrounding the banned Bollywood song ‘Sarka Chunar’. Speaking in Lok Sabha, he cautioned filmmakers against abusing the right and urged that it be exercised within societal and cultural norms.

“A ban has already been imposed on the song. I must tell the House clearly that we must respect and operate according to the reasonable restrictions under the Freedom of Speech. Freedom of Speech cannot be absolute; it has to be in the context of the society and culture,” Vaishnaw said while replying to a question raised by SP MP Anand Bhadouria.

The minister added that the government is committed to protecting impressionable minds, especially children, from potentially harmful digital content.

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The song, featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt from the film ‘KD: The Devil’, sparked widespread public backlash over its sexually suggestive lyrics and choreography. Following complaints and criticism, the song was removed from YouTube and banned.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also issued a notice to the filmmakers citing “objectionable lyrics and obscene gestures.” NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo condemned the track, stating, “Who can sit with their civilised family and watch this? … This mentally ill person is destroying generations with their psychopathic tendencies. We will not allow this filth to spread in society.”

Complaints have also been filed with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the I&B Ministry, demanding strict legal action against the creators of the “highly vulgar, sexually suggestive, and obscene” song.

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