Guru Randhawa Summoned by Court Over Controversial Lyrics Referring to Opium Given to Newborns
Punjabi pop star Guru Randhawa has landed in fresh controversy after a Ludhiana court issued a summons against him over allegedly objectionable lyrics in his latest track “Sirra”. The case was filed following a complaint that claims the song promotes drug culture and distorts a sacred Sikh tradition associated with newborns.
The court has asked Guru Randhawa to appear in person or through his counsel on September 2, 2025, making this one of the most high-profile music-related legal battles in recent times.
The Complaint and Lyrics in Question
The complaint was filed by Rajdeep Singh Mann, a resident of Samrala in Ludhiana district. He pointed out a controversial line in the song that translates to:
“We are sons of Jats… we received opium as our first food when we were born.”
Here, the reference to “gurti” (a Sikh tradition where a newborn is given a small symbolic sweet taste, often honey, by an elder) has been linked with opium in the lyrics. According to the complainant, this not only promotes drug abuse but also insults a sacred cultural ritual.
The complainant argued that the lyrics degrade the Sikh practice and misguide young listeners by glorifying substance use, an issue already sensitive in Punjab due to rising concerns about drug addiction.
Court Action and Legal Basis
After hearing the arguments, Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate Rajinder Singh issued a summons under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This section allows the court to demand the presence of individuals against whom a prima facie case is found.
The summons explicitly states that Guru Randhawa must appear in court either personally or through legal representation. Failure to do so may result in further legal escalation.
Platforms Also Named in the Complaint
The case does not target only Randhawa. Several digital platforms and music distributors have also been named, including:
- YouTube
- Apple Music
- Amazon Music
- Spotify India
- Warner Music India
The reason: these platforms hosted or promoted the track without filtering its content. The complainant argued that they too share responsibility in spreading content that allegedly promotes drug use.
It is worth noting that despite the controversy, the music video for “Sirra” has already crossed 60 million views on YouTube, showing the scale of its popularity.
Advocate’s Statement
The complainant’s counsel, Advocate Gurbir Singh Dhillon, called the lyrics “derogatory” and “deeply objectionable.”
He claimed that:
- The song is promoting drug culture, which is already a major social problem in Punjab.
- It has hurt Sikh religious sentiments by associating opium with a sacred tradition.
- An FIR should be registered and strict action must be taken not only against the singer but also against the platforms distributing the song.
Guru Randhawa’s Response
As of now, Guru Randhawa or his management team has not issued any official statement on the controversy. The singer, who enjoys massive popularity across India and internationally, has remained silent on the matter, neither addressing it on social media nor through the press.
Observers note that Randhawa’s reaction in the coming days will be crucial in shaping public perception and handling the legal fallout.
A Pattern of Controversies
This is not the first time Randhawa’s work has drawn criticism. Recently, another of his music videos, “Azul”, came under fire for the way it portrayed schoolgirls, which critics argued was sexualised and inappropriate. Facing online backlash, the singer eventually restricted Instagram comments on his posts related to that track.
While artists in India often push boundaries with edgy lyrics or visuals, Randhawa’s latest case is particularly sensitive because it intersects with religion, culture, and social issues like drugs — all hot-button topics in Punjab and beyond.
Wider Implications of the Case
This controversy raises several larger questions:
- Artistic Freedom vs. Cultural Sensitivity
Should artists have full creative liberty, or must they exercise restraint when their work references religion or sensitive social issues? - Platform Accountability
With platforms like YouTube and Spotify also named in the case, the debate around how much responsibility streaming services hold for content they host will intensify. - Legal Precedent
If the case moves forward and results in stricter action, it could set a legal precedent affecting future music releases, lyrics, and even censorship policies. - Impact on Public Image
Guru Randhawa’s reputation and career could take a hit if public sentiment turns against him, especially among communities that feel their traditions were disrespected. However, his large fanbase might also rally behind him in defense of artistic expression.
Conclusion
The Ludhiana court summons scheduled for September 2, 2025, will be a decisive moment in Guru Randhawa’s career. What began as another chart-topping track has now snowballed into a legal and cultural controversy.
Whether the singer apologises, defends his lyrics under creative freedom, or faces further legal trouble, this case has already opened up a national debate on the fine line between artistic expression and cultural responsibility.
For now, all eyes are on Guru Randhawa and the Punjab court, as the music industry, fans, and cultural leaders wait for the next development in this unfolding controversy.
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