Haryana women’s commission says "Seize his passport," seeks Badshah’s arrest over ‘Tateeree’ song

The Haryana State Commission for Women has sought the arrest of rapper Badshah after he failed to appear before the panel over the controversial Haryanvi music video “Tateeree”. The commission issued the directive after the singer did not respond to the summons requiring his presence in Panipat, following a notice issued on March 6 regarding allegedly objectionable lyrics and visuals in the song.

Commission chairperson Renu Bhatia said she has directed the Panipat Superintendent of Police to arrest the rapper and seize his passport to prevent him from leaving the country. “I have ordered SP Panipat to get Badshah arrested from anywhere, any place and issue search orders,” she said, adding that the commission had asked him to appear before March 13 over the song that allegedly used inappropriate language insulting women and girls from Haryana. FIRs related to the issue have already been registered in Panchkula and Jind.

Lawyers representing Badshah had approached the commission seeking additional time, claiming the summons had not been received and requesting another hearing date. However, the commission declined the request. The chairperson also wrote to the National Commission for Women asking that no shows by the rapper be held in the country until the matter is addressed.

The controversy erupted after the release of “Tateeree”, which drew criticism for its lyrics and visuals. In response to the backlash, Badshah posted an apology video on Instagram and said the song would be removed. Police have also begun the process of issuing a lookout circular to stop him from leaving India, while multiple teams are conducting raids at possible locations to locate him. Authorities said the video depicts minor girls in school uniforms abandoning their school bags and includes words and expressions considered derogatory and misleading about education and women.