The Union government has confirmed that the song “Sarke Chunariya” has been banned following widespread criticism over its lyrics and visuals. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the decision in the Lok Sabha in response to a question from Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadouria.

Vaishnaw stated that the government had already taken action against the song and emphasized that freedom of speech in India is subject to constitutional limits. He highlighted that expression must adhere to reasonable restrictions outlined in the Constitution. “The song has already been banned,” he said, adding, “Freedom of speech cannot be absolute. It has to be in the context of society and culture, following the reasonable restrictions set by the Constitution’s creators.”

The minister referenced Article 19(2), which permits restrictions on speech in the interest of public order, decency, morality, and other concerns. He also noted that with the rapid spread of content through digital platforms, the government is prepared to take strict measures to protect society, particularly children, women, and marginalized groups.

The controversy began after the song, featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt, was released, with critics accusing it of vulgar lyrics and visuals objectifying women. Public backlash grew quickly, with demands for the song’s removal and filing of FIRs. Several figures and organizations, including the Haryana and Karnataka Women Commissions, actor-politicians Ravi Kishan and Kangana Ranaut, and singer Armaan Malik, criticized the track. An advocate also approached the CBFC, seeking a ban, citing its potential harm to minors.

The song was launched at an event attended by Nora Fatehi, director Prem, composer Arjun Janya, Rakshitha, Reeshma Nanaiah, and the film’s lead Dhruva Sarja. Produced by Venkat K Narayana under KVN Productions, KD: The Devil is a period action film inspired by real events from 1970s Bangalore. The movie stars Dhruva Sarja in the titular role, alongside Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Ramesh Aravind, Reeshma Nanaiah, and V Ravichandran, and is set to release theatrically on April 30, 2026.