In the case of Gurbhej Singh Alias Bheja versus the State of Punjab, the Punjab & Haryana High Court has taken a firm stance against the glorification of weapons in Punjabi songs. Justice Harkesh Manuja demanded that the government provide a list of such songs for necessary action. Urging immediate action, the court questioned the lack of FIRs against these songs and emphasized involving the Union of India.
Additionally, the state counsel was pressed on the actions taken against weapon-glorifying songs, with the response indicating a lack of authority to ban them.
Following the Court’s request for detailed affidavits, the Punjab Government provided updates on banned or suggested-for-ban songs promoting weapon glorification and violence. The Court expressed dissatisfaction with the continued use of firearms at public events and in crimes, despite regulations. In 2022, the Punjab Government prohibited the public display of firearms, including on social media, and instructed officers to conduct surprise checks within their jurisdictions.
Earlier, the Court instructed the Director General of Police (DGP) to submit an affidavit regarding guidelines for issuing arms licenses and their enforcement. However, the State’s affidavit was deemed insufficient.
As a result, the judge directed the DGP Punjab to provide a comprehensive affidavit detailing actions taken to curb weapon glorification in the State.
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