Chandigarh, January 15:
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued notices in response to a contempt petition filed against state authorities for allegedly allowing singer Diljit Dosanjh to perform songs promoting alcohol during his Ludhiana concert, violating a 2019 court directive.
In the case of Reet Mohinder v. State of Punjab, the High Court had previously directed the DGPs of Punjab, Haryana, and the Chandigarh UT administration to ensure that songs glorifying alcohol, drugs, or violence were not performed at live events.
Justice Harkesh Manuja has now issued notices to the Principal Home Secretary of Punjab, the Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana Police, and the Punjab Pollution Control Board based on a plea submitted by a Chandigarh resident.
The plea alleges that Diljit performed songs such as “5 Tara Theeke,” “Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya),” and “Patiala Peg” during a live concert at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) on December 31.
Despite telephonic requests to the District Program Officer and the District Child Protection Officer in Ludhiana, no action was taken to prevent the singer from performing these songs. The plea also alleges that a child appeared on stage and danced with Diljit during the event.
“The administration’s failure to prevent the singer’s performance demonstrates a clear case of noncompliance with the court’s orders, reflecting blatant defiance,” the petition stated.
The plea further expressed shock that used alcohol bottles were found at the venue the morning after the concert. It criticized the decision to hold such an event at PAU, describing it as a “holy place” for advanced agricultural research, and condemned the use of its residential and educational premises for hosting a musical concert.
The matter has been scheduled for the next hearing on February 7.
About The Author
