Police instructed to ban Diljit Dosanjh from singing certain songs in Ahmedabad

The administration has adopted a strict stance regarding the upcoming concert of Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh in Ahmedabad. According to reports from Amar Ujala and DeshGujarat, the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) of Ahmedabad has written to the Police Commissioner requesting that the singer be stopped from performing certain controversial songs during his event. This concert is scheduled to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium on 21 November. The primary objective of this demand made by the DCPO is to prevent the negative impact of these songs on children.

The songs that the DCPO has demanded to be banned include popular tracks such as 'Patiala Peg', '5 Taara Theke', 'Jeeh Vichon Phim Labdiyaan', and 'Jatt Utte Fire Karda Jithe Pabandi Hathiyaran Di'. According to a Gulf News report, the official has clearly stated that these songs should not be allowed to be performed even by modifying their lyrics. This step has been taken in the context of the central government's 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan', arguing that songs glorifying the use of alcohol and narcotics should not be promoted.

This complaint follows a representation by Chandigarh-based Professor Dr. Pandit Rao Dharennavar, who has long objected to songs promoting alcohol, drugs, and gun culture. The DCPO's letter also cites an observation by the Punjab and Haryana High Court dated 22 July, 2019. The court had noted at the time that there should be a ban on songs that glorify violence, intoxication, and weapons even during live performances, as they have a serious impact on the minds of children.

According to the DeshGujarat report, the DCPO has drawn attention not only to the songs but also to other issues related to the safety of children at the concert. He has requested the police not to allow children on stage. Additionally, concerns have been raised that noise levels at the concert could exceed 120 decibels and rapidly flashing lights on stage could damage children's hearing or induce problems like seizures. Furthermore, a demand has been made to stop singer Diljit Dosanjh from wearing two cross silver bullet belts (bandoliers) or items like fake metal bullets on his chest, as they may promote a violent culture.

Such restrictions are not limited to Ahmedabad alone. Previously, similar conditions were set for Diljit Dosanjh's concert held in Indore on 15 November. Rajnish Sinha, District Officer of the Women and Child Development Department in Indore, stated that they had received a letter from Chandigarh, based on which organizers were instructed not to perform songs that could have a negative impact on children. Refuting rumors circulating on social media regarding the Indore concert, Diljit Dosanjh himself clarified in an Instagram live that he was reaching Indore on the 15th and the event would take place.

According to the Gulf News report, the Indore concert has also been in the news for security reasons, as the Mayor's secretariat and various banks there received threatening emails in Punjabi and English. However, Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav stated that such threats would not stop the city's development activities or events. The police are investigating to reach the source of these emails.

It is noteworthy that during Diljit Dosanjh's concert held in Ahmedabad in November 2024, he avoided singing alcohol-related songs due to the prohibition in Gujarat. This time too, the administration is emphasizing compliance with legal provisions and High Court directives.

Diljit Dosanjh is a well-known Punjabi singer and actor, who is globally popular for his music and films. He has been active in the Punjabi music industry for a long time and a large number of young audiences flock to his concerts. In previous years as well, objections were raised by various social activists regarding the lyrics of his songs and the violent or intoxicating imagery used in them, which led to a series of judicial interventions and administrative instructions.