SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal invokes free speech to overturn the government's decision on "SYL" and "Rihai."
Digital Desk: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal said on Friday that the ban on a song by Punjab singer Kanwar Grewal calling for the release of Sikh prisoners was the most unfortunate development and urged the Union government to reverse the decision in light of citizens' right to free expression as well as the sentiments of the Sikh community.
The SAD president stated that Grewal's song, 'Rihai' (release), reflected the feelings of Sikhs worldwide who were outraged by the continued incarceration of Sikh detainees even after they had served their life sentences.
"Instead of demanding that history books not be rewritten, Kanwar Grewal has done nothing more than use poetic licence to highlight this grievance." "Under any circumstances, a ban is required," he said.
"Such bans create a false impression about India in the community of nations," Badal said. We must not be seen as suppressing the freedom of expression guaranteed by our constitution. India is the world's largest pluralistic democracy.
The SAD leader has decided to bring the matter up in Parliament. He noted that the ban on "Rihai" followed the ban on Sidhu Moosewala's posthumous song "SYL," which also reflected the aspirations of Punjabis who do not want their water diverted to Haryana via the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal.
He also stated that the SAD would request that the Centre disclose the specific complaint in both cases, as well as who filed the complaint while requesting that YouTube ban both songs in India. "We will also demand a discussion on this issue to ensure that corrective measures are taken and this trend is reversed," he added.
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