Court quashes FIR against rapper Honey Singh in 'Makhna' song case

Rapper and music producer Yo Yo Honey Singh has been granted relief by a court in Mohali, which has quashed the First Information Report (FIR) filed against him in 2019. The FIR was lodged in connection with his 2018 song 'Makhna,' which was accused of containing objectionable lyrics. The case, which dragged on for six years, was finally closed after the original complainants stated they had no objection to the proceedings being terminated.

The legal battle began when two separate complaints were filed against the song's lyrics. The complainants, Punjab State Women's Commission chairperson Manisha Gulati and ASI Lakhwinder Kaur, argued that certain words used in the song were derogatory and violated various legal acts. The FIR was registered at the Mataur police station in Mohali under IPC Sections 294 and 509, Section 67 of the IT Act, and Section 6 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.

After the initial filing, the case was referred to the National Lok Adalat in Mohali for further proceedings. This legal forum, known for its focus on amicable settlements, became the venue for the protracted hearings. The case drew significant media attention and sparked a widespread debate about the responsibility of artists for their lyrics and their influence on society, particularly concerning women's rights.

A pivotal moment in the case came when both Manisha Gulati and ASI Lakhwinder Kaur submitted their statements to the court. While ASI Lakhwinder Kaur had provided her statement earlier, Manisha Gulati's statement in 2025 was crucial. Both complainants unequivocally stated that they had no objection if the court decided to close the FIR against the artist. Their statement essentially paved the way for the submission and acceptance of the closure report.

The closure report was formally submitted to the National Lok Adalat, which reviewed the facts of the case and the statements from the complainants. Based on their voluntary withdrawal of objections, the court accepted the report and proceeded to quash the FIR. This decision effectively brings an end to the long-standing legal battle that had been hanging over Yo Yo Honey Singh.

Back in 2019, the Punjab Women’s Commission had even suggested a ban on the song, calling its content objectionable. Now, with the court's ruling, the legal saga has concluded, providing a resolution to a case that had been a focal point of discussion on music censorship and freedom of expression.