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Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed proceedings against singer Guru Randhawa in a criminal complaint case, observing that the trial court had issued notice to the accused without recording preliminary evidence as required under law.
Justice Surya Partap Singh, while issuing notice of motion, fixed July 16 as the next date of hearing and directed that “in the meantime, proceedings before the trial court shall remain stayed.”
Challenge to the Trial Court Order
The order came on a petition filed under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita seeking quashing of a criminal complaint and an August 25, 2025, order passed by a Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate in Samrala.
Counsel for the petitioner argued that the Magistrate had issued notice without first recording preliminary evidence, which is mandatory under the statutory scheme.
Complaint Over Song Lyrics
The complaint alleged offences under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, arising from lyrics in Randhawa’s song “Sirra”. The complainant claimed that the song’s lyrics were defamatory towards the Jatt-Sikh community and hurt religious sentiments.
Defence Claims No Malicious Intent
Appearing for the singer, advocates Tejeshwar Singh and Tarushi Monga submitted that there was no malicious intent behind the lyrics.
They told the court that, upon receiving a legal notice earlier, the singer had responded promptly and assured the removal or revision of the content, which was acted upon by engaging with the digital platforms. “This demonstrated good faith on the part of the petitioner,” the counsel argued.
Court Observation
Taking note of the submissions, the court observed that the trial court’s order itself indicated that notice had been issued without recording preliminary evidence, making the proceedings legally questionable. The High Court will now examine the matter further on the next date of hearing.
