Patna: A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Patna High Court against Honey Singh’s Bhojpuri song Maniac, alleging that its lyrics promote obscenity, objectification, and glorification of women in a derogatory manner. The petition has been filed by actress Neetu Chandra Srivastava, who has urged the court to take action against the song’s content.
The petitioner has sought directives to modify the lyrics of Maniac and to regulate similar songs to prevent the spread of misogynistic narratives. According to the plea, the song fosters a mindset of male dominance and reduces women to objects of pleasure, thereby misrepresenting Bhojpuri culture and undermining the principles of women’s empowerment.
Watch the song here:
Chandra has also called for broader measures to control the language and gestures used in Bhojpuri songs, arguing that they contribute to the moral degradation of society, particularly among the youth. The PIL names singer and composer Yo Yo Honey Singh, co-artists Leo Grewal and Ragini Vishwakarma, along with music label T-Series, Google, and YouTube as respondents. The case is expected to be heard on March 7.
In a strong statement, the national award-winning actress has urged the Bihar government to ban obscene songs in both Bhojpuri and Hindi. She expressed concern over their impact, stating that such lyrics make women feel uncomfortable in public spaces and even in their homes while watching television.
“These songs create an environment of insecurity for women. College-going girls and women often have to lower their eyes while walking on the streets due to such songs,” Chandra said, adding that the content could mislead society and diminish respect for women. She has called for a complete ban on the production and broadcasting of such songs in Bihar.
The petition is being led by advocate Nivedita Nirvikar, who is expected to argue that unchecked obscenity in Bhojpuri music not only distorts cultural representation but also negatively influences young minds.
