The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday (20.03.2026) stayed all criminal proceedings against Punjabi singer and composer Gursharanjot Singh Randhawa @ Guru Randhawa in a complaint alleging defamation and insult to religious feelings of the Jatt-Sikh community through a lyric in his 2025 hit song “Sirra”.
Justice Surya Partap Singh, while issuing notice of motion and listing the matter for 16.07.2026, directed that “in the meantime proceedings before the learned trial Court shall remain stayed”.
The complaint, filed by Rajdeep Singh Mann, accuses the singer of offences punishable under Sections 299, 302, 196, 356(1), 356(2) and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The grievance centres on the lyric “Jammeya nu gudti ch mildi afeem aa”, which the complainant translates as “Sons of Jatts have been given opium as the first thing on birth”. He alleges this distorts the sacred Sikh ritual of “Gurthi” (ceremonial first nourishment with sweetened water), insults religious customs, promotes enmity, and amounts to public mischief and defamation.
Randhawa’s counsel contended before the High Court that the trial court issued notice to the petitioner under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) without first recording the preliminary evidence of the complainant and witnesses on oath, which is mandatory under the scheme of Section 223 BNSS. The order dated 25.08.2025 simply states: “Complaint presented today. It be registered. Let, notice under Section 223 of BNSS on filing RC/AD be issued for 02.09.2025.” The petitioner argued that the word “shall” used in the provision makes examination and recording of sworn statements compulsory before issuing pre-cognizance notice.
The plea further submits that the lyric is artistic, colloquial and self-referential, used in an ordinary cultural sense without any theological reference to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji or Sikh Rehat Maryada. It is neither addressed to the complainant personally nor aimed at any identifiable group with intent to defame. Prior to the complaint, Randhawa had promptly replied to a legal notice, denied malicious intent, and ensured removal/revision of the lyric on digital platforms, demonstrating good faith.
The High Court has now stayed the trial court proceedings and directed the matter to be heard on merits after notice to the respondents.
Cause Title: Gursharanjot Singh Randhawa @ Guru Randhawa v. Rajdeep Singh Mann and Others
Case No.: CRM-M-13194-2026 (Order dated 20.03.2026)
Click HERE to Download the order.
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