DCPU seeks ban on songs promoting alcohol and violence at Diljit Dosanjh's Ahmedabad concert

The District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) has written to the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner seeking restrictions on singer Diljit Dosanjh's performance of songs allegedly promoting alcohol, drugs and weapons during his November 21 concert at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

The request comes days after authorities in Madhya Pradesh barred the performance of four songs by the popular Punjabi singer at his November 15 concert in Indore over similar concerns.

In a letter dated November 6, addressed to Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut, the DCPU urged authorities to ensure that songs glorifying intoxicants and violence were not performed during Dosanjh's upcoming 'RuPay Aura India Tour' concert.

The letter also sought restrictions on inviting children onto the stage and wearing cartridge or bullet belts during the performance.

Ahmedabad District Child Protection Officer Tanvika Parmar confirmed that the communication had been sent following a representation by Chandigarh-based Dr Panditrao Dharennavar, who raised concerns about the potential impact of the concert on children.

𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘆

The DCPU specifically identified four songs — 'Patiala Pegg', '5 Taara Theeke', 'Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya' and 'Jatt Uthe Fire Karda Jithe Pabandi Hathiyara Di' — alleging that their lyrics glorified alcohol consumption, narcotic substances and weapons.

"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 stated.

The child protection body maintained that modifying or altering the lyrics would not necessarily address concerns about their influence on young audiences.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀

Apart from the song lyrics, the DCPU raised concerns about stage arrangements, particularly the possible participation of children during the concert.

The letter flagged loud sound levels, reportedly exceeding 120 decibels, and rapidly changing lighting effects, including flashing lights and beams.

It stated that such effects could pose health risks to young children and urged authorities to ensure that minors were not invited onto the stage.

The DCPU also objected to the use of cartridge or bullet belts, commonly known as bandoliers, as part of stage costumes.

According to the child protection body, such accessories could encourage gun culture and glorify violence, particularly among children and adolescents.

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱

The letter referred to a July 22, 2019 judgment of the Punjab and Haryana High Court concerning the potential adverse impact of songs promoting intoxication and violence on children.

Citing the judgment, the DCPU requested the Police Commissioner to take appropriate preventive measures before the concert.

Parmar confirmed that the letter had been forwarded to the police for necessary consideration.

An official said the police would take an appropriate decision after examining the concerns and keeping the larger public interest in mind.

No final decision on restrictions for the Ahmedabad concert had been announced.