NHRC Flags Nora Fatehi’s ‘Sarke Chunar’ Row, Calls Lyrics a “violation of human rights”

Maharashtra | 18 March 2026 The controversy around the song Sarke Chunar from the upcoming film KD: The Devil has intensified after the National Human Rights Commission stepped in, terming its content a “violation of human rights”. The song, featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt, had already sparked backlash on social media over its ‘offensive’ and ‘vulgar’ lyrics and choreography. Taking cognisance of the complaints, the NHRC has issued notices to the Central Board of Film Certification, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and Google India. The Commission has asked them to investigate the matter and submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks. The bench, led by member Priyank Kanoongo, observed that the allegations point towards serious concerns under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. “The complainant alleged that a recently released song from the upcoming film KD: The Devil contains vulgar, sexually suggestive, and double-meaning lyrics that are inappropriate for public consumption, especially for children. It is stated that such content is widely accessible through television, social media, and public platforms, which may negatively impact the mental well-being and moral environment of minors. The complainant further alleged that the increasing trend of explicit lyrical content in mainstream entertainment contributes to the normalisation of inappropriate expressions among young audiences. Therefore, the complainant sought the intervention of the Commission in the matter and requested it to take cognisance, seek a report from the concerned certification authority, and issue necessary guidelines and advisories to regulate such content and safeguard children's rights,” the notice stated. Meanwhile, the controversy has widened with State Women Commissions in Haryana and Karnataka also raising concerns with the certification authority. An FIR has been filed against the makers, and the song has been taken down from YouTube and social media by its music partner. Lyricist Raqib Alam has distanced himself from the issue, stating that he only translated the original Kannada version and had expressed objections earlier. As the debate continues, the incident has once again highlighted growing scrutiny over content standards in mainstream NHRC Calls ‘Sarke Chunar’ a “violation of human rights”, Seeks Action The controversy over Sarke Chunar, a song from KD: The Devil featuring Nora Fatehi, has escalated after the National Human Rights Commission termed its content a “violation of human rights”. The track had already faced criticism on social media for its ‘vulgar’ and suggestive lyrics. The NHRC has issued notices to the Central Board of Film Certification, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and Google India. It has asked them to investigate the issue and submit a report within two weeks. The Commission noted that the content may negatively affect children and public morality. “The complainant alleged that a recently released song from the upcoming film KD: The Devil contains vulgar, sexually suggestive, and double-meaning lyrics that are inappropriate for public consumption, especially for children...” the notice stated, highlighting concerns about its widespread accessibility and impact on minors. Amid the row, complaints have been filed, an FIR has been registered, and the song has been removed from online platforms by its music partner. Lyricist Raqib Alam has distanced himself, while authorities continue to examine the matter, raising broader questions about content regulation in entertainment.