Punjab Women’s Commission Issues Notice to Karan Aujla Over Objectionable Lyrics in ‘MF Gabhru’
The Punjab State Women’s Commission has launched a formal investigation into Punjabi singers Karan Aujla and Yo Yo Honey Singh, following allegations that their songs contain derogatory language targeting women.
The commission took suo motu cognizance of the issue and has urged the Director General of Police (DGP) to take swift action.
Both artists have been summoned to appear before the commission on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Concerns Over Disrespectful Lyrics
According to Amar Ujala, Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill raised concerns regarding lyrics in the songs “MF Gabhru” by Karan Aujla and “Millionaire” by Yo Yo Honey Singh.
She stated that the content of these songs offends the dignity of women and portrays them in a negative light. In her letter to the DGP, she requested an immediate investigation and asked for a detailed report to be submitted by the hearing date.
The Controversial Tracks
Karan Aujla’s song “MF Gabhru,” released on August 1, 2025, has gained over 3 million views on YouTube.
Despite its popularity, the song has faced backlash over lyrics that many consider vulgar and offensive toward women. The track was written, composed, and sung by Aujla, with music by Ikky.
Meanwhile, attention has also shifted to Honey Singh’s 2024 track “Millionaire,” which the commission believes contains similarly objectionable content.
This song is part of his 18-track comeback album “Glory,” which includes titles like “Payal,” “Jatt Mehkma,” “Bonita,” and “High On Me.” The album was presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series.
Commission Demands Accountability
Chairperson Raj Lali Gill emphasized that music has a significant impact on society and should not promote misogynistic ideas.
“Those who use this language cannot be tolerated. That’s why I have summoned both of them. These songs will be banned. Singers are the voice of society,” she stated.
She continued, “On one hand, they say that they love their mother very much. On the other hand, they are using abusive language about mothers in these songs. Will not tolerate abuses about mother in songs.”
The commission has reiterated its demand for accountability, urging that singers must respect societal values and not exploit art for monetary gain at the expense of dignity.
Legal Action and Summons
The commission has officially directed the Punjab DGP to assign a senior officer to handle the investigation.
Karan Aujla and Honey Singh have been instructed to appear before the commission on August 11 at 11:30 am. Although both singers are reportedly abroad, the summons remains valid.
Honey Singh’s History of Controversy
This is not the first time Honey Singh has faced legal scrutiny over his lyrics. In December 2024, the Women’s Commission raised objections to his song “Makhna,” calling its lyrics offensive and demanding a ban.
The Commission’s then-chairperson, Manisha Gulati, pointed to lines such as “Main hoon womaniser” and “Silicon wali ladkiyon ko main pakadta nahi” as examples of lewd content.
Gulati had written to the Punjab DGP recommending legal action against both Singh and T-Series chairman Bhushan Kumar.
Earlier, in 2013, Honey Singh was booked by Punjab Police for his alleged involvement in the controversial song “Main Hoon Balatk**i” under Section 294 of the IPC.
Singh later denied performing the song and submitted an affidavit in the Punjab High Court stating he had no connection to it.
Ongoing Debate Over Explicit Content
Another song repeatedly linked to Honey Singh is “Ch**t Vol. 1,” allegedly created with Badshah in the early stages of their careers.
Though Singh has denied his involvement in multiple interviews and in the Netflix documentary “Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous,” a resurfaced concert video has reignited debate.
In the clip, Singh responds to a request from the audience to perform the song, sparking further speculation.
Voices Calling for Change
Raj Lali Gill, while speaking to ANI, said, “Everyone has listened to the song and objected, but it still gets millions of views. It’s not just the Women’s Commission’s responsibility to notice this; listeners and society also must reject such language.”
She further added that artists do not control their lyrics and ignore their responsibility to promote respect, especially toward women. “They do this to make money. But it impacts our children,” she said.
The Women’s Commission’s actions have reignited a wider debate over lyrical content in Punjabi music and its cultural impact.