Music videos often arrive online with little warning. But sometimes a song travels far beyond playlists and into courtrooms.

Indian rapper Badshah is facing legal trouble over his new Haryanvi track Tateeree, after complaints that the song and its video contain obscene language and visuals.

An FIR has been registered at a cybercrime police station in Panchkula, in the northern state of Haryana. 

According to the complaint, the music video, released on the 40-year-old singer’s YouTube channel, shows girls in school uniforms and includes gestures and lyrics that critics say are inappropriate.

The complainant argued that the song sends “a negative message to society” and weakens public decency.

Police say the case is being examined under Section 296 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with acts that outrage public decency or disturb social harmony. 

It is also being investigated under Sections 3 and 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

The controversy had already reached women’s rights groups before the FIR was filed.

Savita Arya, president of the Nari Tu Narayani Utthan Samiti, had approached the Haryana State Women’s Commission. A lawyer from Rohtak also complained to the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

They objected to a line in the track: “Aaya Badshah doli chadhaane, in sabki ghodi banaane,” claiming it objectifies women and minors.

The commission’s chairperson Renu Bhatia said the panel has taken suo motu notice of the issue and has sent a summons to the rapper. She also questioned how the song cleared regulatory checks.

Tateeree, released on 1 March, mixes Haryanvi folk with modern hip-hop. It features singer Simran Jaglan, with music produced by Hiten. Police say the investigation is ongoing.