A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Delhi High Court which sought for directions for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in order to constitute a regulatory body, in the nature of censor board, for the purpose of reviewing the content of non-film songs and music videos.
The petition also sought for directions to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to regulate the contents of such songs and videos by screening them before their release on various internet platforms.
The instant PIL has been filed by Advocate Rishu Singh and through this petition, the petitioner states that many of the non-film songs and music videos contain demeaning language, inappropriate portrayal of women and that it tends to promote consumption of alcohol and drugs.
The petitioner stated that the targeted audience of such content includes kids and youngsters who are vulnerable enough to get influenced by such songs and videos and, indulge in wrongful activities.
The petitioner brought along its purview the provisions of Cinematograph Act, 1952, wherein the application of the provisions are restricted to the contents of films and songs. Because of this, non-film songs and music videos escape the screening and penalties.
The petitioner highlighted the fact that there is an absence of an authority similar to Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for such songs and videos which are created by individual artists and directly posted on internet platforms and that is an immediate requirement for the same.
The petitioner concluded the petition by stating that the lyrics, videos, themes etc. of such non-film songs and music videos tend to instigate youth towards wrongful activities and deviate the ones who are in their tender age of learning.
The petitioner thus prayed before the High Court for constitution of a regulatory authority which would screen and limit the illicit content portrayed through such songs and videos.
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