Diljit Dosanjh’s Songs Under Scanner Over Alleged Promotion of Alcohol, Drugs and Weapons

A controversy has emerged ahead of Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming live concert at Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium in Delhi. The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) has taken cognisance of a complaint alleging that some of the singer’s songs promote alcohol, drugs and weapons.
 

The commission has written to the Delhi Police Commissioner, directing the police to take appropriate action in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations.
 

The complaint was filed on October 14 by Chandigarh-based social activist and professor Dr Panditrao Dharennavar. He alleged that songs by Diljit Dosanjh, including Patiala Peg, 5 Taara Theke and Jeev/Jeb Vichon Afeem Labhiyan, contain references that glorify alcohol, intoxicants and weapons.
 

Professor Raises Concerns Over Impact on Children
 

In his complaint, Dharennavar expressed concern that songs promoting substance use and weapons could negatively influence children's mental health and behaviour.
 

He has requested the authorities to prohibit the performance of such songs during the Delhi concert and issue an appropriate advisory or notice in this regard. He has also demanded that the singer should not be allowed to perform these songs even with modified lyrics.
 

The complainant has referred to a 2019 order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in support of his demand.
 

Objection to Children Being Invited on Stage
 

The complaint also seeks a restriction on inviting children onto the stage during the concert.
 

Dharennavar argued that extremely loud music and rapidly flashing lights at live performances could adversely affect children's health, particularly their hearing ability.
 

Child Rights Commission Directs Police to Take Action
 

The complaint was considered by a DCPCR bench comprising Chairperson Dr Om Prakash Vyas and members Rahul Gautam and Swati Gupta.
 

After hearing the matter, the commission forwarded a copy of the complaint to the Delhi Police and asked the authorities to take appropriate action.
 

In its order, the commission clarified that safeguarding children's interests and rights falls within its jurisdiction under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005.
 

Diljit Dosanjh is currently touring several cities across India as part of his Aura India Tour. For his upcoming Delhi concert, the Delhi Metro will operate services until midnight to facilitate the movement of concertgoers.