The Delhi High Court on Thursday ordered the immediate takedown of the controversial song “Volume 1”, linked to rappers Honey Singh and Badshah, holding that its lyrics are “grossly vulgar, obscene and derogatory towards women”, and cannot be permitted to remain in circulation on any digital platform. In strong observations, the court said the content was so objectionable that even its title could not be reproduced in a judicial order, underlining the gravity of the material placed before it.Passing the directions, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav said the song reflects a complete disregard for basic standards of decency and cannot claim protection under the guise of artistic freedom or free speech.The court made it clear that no civilised society governed by the rule of law can allow such content, particularly when it is widely accessible and monetised across online platforms.The bench directed the singers, along with any individual or entity claiming rights over the track, including its remixes or alternate versions, to immediately remove all URLs hosting the song from social media platforms, music streaming services and other online spaces while listing their matter for further hearing on May 7.The order came on a plea filed by the Hindu Shakti Dal, seeking removal of the song’s audio and video versions from platforms such as YouTube, Google and Spotify. The petitioner pointed to a recent concert performance by Honey Singh, where portions of the song were sung, to establish his association with the track.After examining the material and hearing the lyrics in chambers, the court recorded that this was among the rare cases where its conscience had been “shaken to the core”. It held that the lyrics are ex facie dehumanising, portraying women as objects of ridicule and devoid of dignity, while lacking any artistic or social value.The court underscored that dissemination of such content on platforms accessible to all age groups, including minors, cannot be countenanced. It added that permitting such material to remain online would amount to endorsing content that violates the minimum thresholds of decency in society.Issuing notice in the matter, the court directed that identified links be blocked forthwith. It also granted liberty to the petitioner to compile additional URLs carrying the song or its variants and submit the same to the Union Government, which will issue appropriate directions for their removal.The petitioner was further allowed to use grievance redressal mechanisms available with intermediaries to report any newly discovered links. In cases of uncertainty, platforms may seek clarification from the Union of India.The court also permitted the petitioner to raise grievances with Google regarding continued access to the content. Counsel for the Union Government assured the court that upon receipt of such complaints, necessary directions would be issued to the competent authorities.