Punjabi music has seen a disturbing trend of incorporating the dangerous allure of guns into its songs. Lyrics glorifying guns and violence are heard heavily on the radio while beats blare from speakers at weddings and celebrations, reflecting a culture that many fear is spiralling out of control. The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently sounded the alarm, questioning the effectiveness of government measures banning the display of firearms in public places, introduced in 2022 to curb the prevalence of gun culture that has permeated everyday life. Despite these efforts, the court noted the continuing trend of glorifying guns in both music and public events, suggesting that Punjab’s vibrant soundscape is becoming a battleground for stories where identity, masculinity and violence intertwine.
The court’s concerns are not unfounded. Punjab, home to just 2% of India’s population, accounts for more than 10% of the country’s firearm licences. The state police control a fifth of the region’s firearms, and between 2016 and 2020, 2,073 incidents of gun violence were reported in Punjab. The normalisation of gun culture in Punjabi popular culture has long been a source of concern, and in 2019 the High Court took note, ordering the police commissioner to stop the playing and performance of songs that promote alcohol, drugs and violence.
The Punjab government’s recent ban on songs glorifying weapons and violence has drawn both praise and criticism. Some have hailed the move as a necessary step to curb the state’s gun culture, while others claim it’s a “knee-jerk reaction” that doesn’t address the underlying problem. There are concerns over how the government will enforce such a directive in the age of social media, with critics questioning whether banning an art form will only increase its popularity.
The issue of glorification of guns in Punjab, especially through music, has attracted significant attention from both the public and the judiciary. The Punjab and Haryana High Court expressed serious concerns over the persistence of gun culture in public life, especially in light of the government’s ban on the display and use of guns in public places in 2022. Despite these restrictions, the court noted that there has been “no visible change” in the prevalence of guns at public events, including weddings, and their use in criminal activities. This has prompted the court to seek a comprehensive affidavit from the Punjab government regarding the promotion of gun culture through music.
Background of gun culture in Punjab
The glorification of guns in Punjabi music, particularly in genres such as bhangra and Punjabi pop, contributes to a cultural narrative that associates masculinity and status with gun ownership. Songs often depict protagonists brandishing guns, glorifying violence and engaging in confrontational behavior, which can influence listeners, especially young people. This phenomenon has raised alarm among law enforcement and judicial institutions as it is intertwined with real-life violence and crime.
In 2022, the Punjab government tried to curb this trend by banning the use and display of firearms in public places and on social media. However, a recent opinion from the High Court indicates that enforcement of this ban has been weak. Justice Harkesh Manuja highlighted that licensed firearms are frequently used for criminal activities, suggesting a disconnect between the law and its implementation.
Court response and demands
The Punjab and Haryana High Court after examining the situation issued specific directions aimed at understanding and mitigating the glorification of gun culture through music. The court asked the Punjab government to provide the following details:
Songs banned for promoting gun culture: The court wants a comprehensive list of songs that have been banned or recommended for ban for promoting violence and gun culture. Implementation procedures: Information is also required on the procedures adopted to enforce these bans, particularly in relation to Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression. Legal framework for content removal: The court noted the challenges faced by state authorities in removing objectionable content from the internet, as there is currently no specific law empowering them to do so effectively. The Directorate General of Police (DGP) has acknowledged the need for new laws to address content that promotes gun culture, drugs and alcohol.
The role of music in gun culture
Punjabi music has historically been a medium for storytelling and often reflects the socio-political climate of the region, but its recent tendency to glorify guns and violence has raised ethical concerns. Many song lyrics include references to gun ownership as a symbol of power and respectability, which could perpetuate a cycle of violence and criminality.
The High Court’s investigation into the case highlights the need to critically examine the impact of this music on social norms and behavior. The Court’s call for accountability from content creators and social media platforms reflects a growing awareness of the influence of popular culture on public attitudes towards violence and firearms.
Enforcement challenges
Though the government is making efforts to regulate the display of firearms, enforcement of these regulations remains a major challenge. According to the DGP’s affidavit, there are around 350,000 gun licences in Punjab as of November 2022, and a significant number are being misused. The court has sought transparency in issuance of gun licences and action against those promoting gun culture.
Additionally, while the Punjab Police have identified a large number of URLs containing offensive content related to gun culture, the process of blocking this content faces obstacles due to a lack of legal authority. The court’s request for comprehensive data on the effectiveness of current measures highlights the urgent need for a stronger framework to address the glorification of violence in music and other media.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s proactive approach to the issue of gun glorification in music reflects society’s overall concern about the normalization of violence and its impact on public safety. The Court’s directions aim to hold the Punjab government responsible for implementing existing bans and to explore possible new legislation that can effectively address the promotion of gun culture. As the dialogue continues, it is important that stakeholders, including artists, policy makers and the public, engage in a meaningful dialogue about the impact of music on societal values and behaviors related to firearms and violence.
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The views expressed above are the author’s own.
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