Ahmedabad child panel seeks curbs on Diljit Dosanjh's concert over songs glorifying drugs

Ahmedabad's child protection unit has asked police to impose restrictions on Diljit Dosanjh's November 21 concert, including barring songs that allegedly promote alcohol, drugs and weapons.

In Short

• Police asked to restrict songs allegedly promoting alcohol, drugs and weapons
• Indore authorities recently banned four songs at Diljit's November 15 concert
• Officials seek ban on children joining singer on stage during performances

Ahmedabad authorities have asked the city police to prevent singer Diljit Dosanjh from performing songs that allegedly promote alcohol, drugs and weapons at his November 21 concert, news agency Press Trust of India reported.

The request by the District Child Protection Unit comes days after authorities in Madhya Pradesh prohibited Dosanjh from performing four songs at his November 15 concert in Indore over similar concerns.

In a letter dated November 6 to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut, the unit sought appropriate action to prevent Dosanjh from performing songs promoting alcohol, intoxicants and weapons.

It also asked that children not be invited on stage and that the singer not wear cartridge or bullet belts during the Ahmedabad leg of his 'RuPay Aura India Tour'.

Ahmedabad District Child Protection Officer Tanvika Parmar confirmed the letter to PTI. It referred to a representation by Chandigarh-based Dr Panditrao Dharennavar, who had raised concerns about the concert at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

"Songs such as 'Patiala Pegg', '5 Taara Theeke', 'Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya', and 'Jatt Uthe Fire Karda Jithe Pabandi Hathiyara Di' glorify alcohol consumption, narcotic substances (opium/drugs), and weapons/violence.

Performing such songs, even with altered or twisted lyrics, exerts an adverse impact on the minds of children and youth," the letter said.

The child protection unit also raised concerns about loud sound during stage performances, reportedly exceeding 120 decibels, and rapidly changing lighting effects, including flashing and beam lights.

It said these effects could pose health risks to young children and urged organisers not to invite children on stage.

The letter also objected to the use of cartridge or bullet belts as part of stage costumes, saying such accessories could promote gun culture and glorify violence, particularly among children.

It cited a July 22, 2019, judgment of the Punjab and Haryana High Court dealing with the adverse impact on children of songs promoting intoxication and violence.

Parmar asked the police commissioner to take appropriate measures over the concerns.

An official told PTI that the police would take an appropriate decision while keeping the larger public interest in mind.

The child protection unit has, therefore, asked the Ahmedabad police to address concerns over the songs, stage effects, participation of children and use of bullet-themed accessories before Dosanjh's November 21 concert.

- Ends