Diljit Dosanjh New Year’s Eve concert in Ludhiana was marred by a legal dispute following a complaint from Panditrao Dharenavar, an assistant professor at a Chandigarh college. The complaint led to a formal notice from the deputy director of the Women and Child Department, Government of Punjab, urging local authorities to stop the singer from performing certain songs that promote alcohol.

Songs Under Scrutiny

The notice specifically targets songs like ‘Patiala Pegg,’ ‘5 Tara Theke,’ and ‘Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya)’ for their references to alcohol. Even if altered, the authorities have requested these songs be banned due to concerns about their influence on young listeners, particularly underage children in the audience. This follows multiple advisories issued to Dosanjh, asking him to refrain from performing these tracks in public events.

Dharenavar’s complaint is supported by a 2019 Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling, which directed authorities to ensure that songs promoting alcohol, drugs, or violence were not played at public events. The court expressed concern over the detrimental impact these songs have on young audiences. Dharenavar has threatened to escalate the matter to the high court if necessary.

Cultural Concerns Raised

In addition to the legal arguments, Dharenavar criticized Dosanjh for performing such songs while wearing a turban, arguing that it sends the wrong message, especially when associated with a symbol of Sikh culture.

The Ludhiana performance was the grand finale of Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati India Tour, which had already been a massive success with sold-out shows across the country. Despite being added as a last-minute stop, tickets for the concert sold out rapidly after the December 23 announcement.

However, Dosanjh had faced similar scrutiny in previous cities, including Hyderabad and Indore, where his performances sparked legal complaints over his song choices.