‘Vulgar, derogatory’: Why Delhi HC ordered takedown of Honey Singh–Badshah’s ‘Mafia Mundeer’ after 20 years

The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the removal of the song Mafia Mundeer, allegedly linked to rappers Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah, from online platforms—nearly two decades after its release.

The track, widely circulated by users across social media and streaming platforms, has amassed millions of views over the years.
Notably, the rappers began their careers as part of the now-defunct hip-hop collective Mafia Mundeer, which also included Raftaar, Ikka, and Lil Golu. In the early 2010s, the group became well-known underground thanks to songs like 'Khol Botal,' 'Begani Naar Buri,' and 'Delhi Ke Deewane.' The two rappers had a fallout in 2011 over the authorship of the 2011 hit song 'Brown Rang,' a track widely attributed to Yo Yo Honey Singh.

What the court said

The court described the song as “vulgar” and “derogatory,” observing that it falls far below the minimum standards of civility. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav remarked that the court’s conscience was shaken “to its absolute core” after լսtening to the track.

He noted that allowing the song to remain accessible on platforms, especially those open to minors, cannot be justified under the protections of artistic freedom or free speech in a society governed by the rule of law.

The judge further stated that the song lacked any discernible artistic or social value and portrayed women in a demeaning manner. “The title of the song itself cannot be dictated in the order and appears completely unacceptable,” the court said.

“The court finds that the song is grossly vulgar, obscene and derogatory towards women. The lyrics are not only disrespectful and offensive but also ex facie dehumanising and normalise the treatment of women as objects of ridicule and sexual gratification,” the order noted.

Directions and next steps

The court issued notice to Honey Singh and Badshah in response to a petition filed by Hindu Shakti Dal. It directed the artists, along with any individuals claiming rights over the song or its variants, to take down the content from all online platforms.

The Centre was also instructed to ensure removal of additional URLs identified by the petitioner.

During the hearing, the court made it clear that the song cannot be allowed to remain in circulation on social media and must be taken down.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on May 7.

Petitioner's claims

According to the plea, the song was released as an “underground” track around 2006–2007 and contains objectionable lyrics that allegedly promote violence against women.

The petitioner argued that given their massive public following, the artists should take responsibility and issue a public apology. The plea also sought directions for removing the song from platforms such as YouTube and Spotify.


With PTI Inputs