Garhwali Singer Faces Legal Action Over Controversial Song Criticizing Uttarakhand Government

Legal Issues Arise for Folk Singer Pawan Semwal

Pawan Semwal, a folk artist from Garhwal, has come under scrutiny after being charged with allegedly inciting discord and disrespecting women's dignity through his song. This track reportedly criticizes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttarakhand for its handling of unemployment and rising crimes against women.

The song, titled 'Tin Bhi Ni Thami'—which translates to 'cannot endure it even for a moment'—was uploaded to Semwal's YouTube channel. He also shared a link to the video on his social media.

In the lyrics, Semwal draws a connection between the proliferation of liquor stores and an uptick in prostitution within the state. Following the song's release, a complaint was lodged by a Dehradun resident, claiming the lyrics were derogatory towards women.

As a result, authorities initiated a case at the Patel Nagar police station. Inspector Chandrabhan Singh Adhikhari confirmed that the charges include promoting enmity among groups and making statements that could incite public disorder.

While in Delhi, Semwal was called in for questioning on Sunday. After thorough interrogation, he received a notice under Section 35(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita, requiring him to report to the police when summoned. He was also cautioned against repeating such actions.

The song was initially uploaded to YouTube three days prior but was removed shortly after. Semwal attempted to re-upload it on Saturday, only to take it down again following police intervention.

In a video statement shared on social media, Semwal expressed that he faced significant pressure from law enforcement to withdraw the song after its first release.

The Congress party has accused the BJP of attempting to suppress dissent. Karan Mahara, the party's Uttarakhand chief, stated that the song's lyrics convey deeper issues that the government is unwilling to acknowledge, representing the voice of citizens seeking change.

In response, the BJP dismissed the allegations, claiming the song is part of the Congress's smear campaign. BJP spokesperson Manveer Singh Chauhan emphasized that the government had no involvement in the case's registration, asserting that the legal process would unfold independently.