Neetu Chandra Takes Legal Action Against Honey Singh’s ‘Maniac’ in Patna High Court

Actress Neetu Chandra has moved the Patna High Court by filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against singer Yo Yo Honey Singh’s latest hit Maniac, alleging that its lyrics and visuals contain vulgar content. The petition, scheduled for a hearing later this month, also includes lyricist Leo Grewal and Bhojpuri singers Ragini Vishwakarma and Arjun Ajanabi, who were part of the song’s production.

Chandra, a former Bollywood and regional cinema actress, has asked the court to instruct the defendants to alter the song's lyrics. She contends that the song "Maniac" excessively sexualizes women, portraying them solely as objects of desire. Additionally, she criticizes the use of Bhojpuri language in the song, claiming it normalizes vulgarity and undermines women's empowerment

Earlier, an FIR was registered against the rapper over allegations of vulgar content in one of his songs uploaded on YouTube. However, the Punjab government later informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court of its decision to file a cancellation report regarding the case. In 2012, the rapper also faced legal action in Lucknow for his song Main Hoon Balatkaari. The FIR was filed under Sections 292, 293, and 294 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertain to obscenity-related offenses.

However, the Patna High Court declined to issue an immediate order on Neetu Chandra’s PIL against Yo Yo Honey Singh’s song Maniac, stating that the case seemed more about publicity than public interest. The petitioner’s counsel argued that the song promoted vulgarity in Bhojpuri music and failed the Hicklin test for obscenity. However, the court advised approaching the appropriate regulatory authority instead. Despite a request for a temporary restraining order, the bench remained firm. The court will seek the Union government's opinion before the next hearing on March 28, 2025.