Court Accepts Respondent's Voluntary Deletion of Song, Respondent to Donate Rs. 50,000 to Army Welfare Fund; PIL Declared Redressed and Closed
In a significant ruling dated October 13, 2026, the Delhi High Court (Division Bench) disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition concerning the alleged misuse of the dedicated song "Shoorveer" in the film "Mirzapur: The Movie." The petitioner, Prashant Kumar Singh, had challenged the use of this musical composition, which is associated with the heroic deeds of Late Maharana Pratap and his followers, being used as background music in the movie's climax scene.
The bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma, heard the matter and noted that the respondents, specifically Respondent No. 3, had already removed the song from the film as of September 17, 2026. This fact was substantiated by a certificate filed on record by the respondent, affirming the voluntary deletion of the song from the movie.
During the proceedings, the petitioner's counsel did not dispute the factual position presented by the respondents. Consequently, the court accepted the submission that the grievance was effectively redressed by the removal of the song, and thus, no further directions were necessary. The PIL was accordingly disposed of.
Further, the court recorded a voluntary commitment from Respondent No. 3 to donate Rs. 50,000 to the Army Welfare Fund within one week of the order. The respondent was directed to produce an acknowledgment of this donation on record. The court stipulated that failure to submit the acknowledgment within two weeks would lead to a reconsideration of the matter focused solely on the aspect of costs payable by the respondent.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's willingness to swiftly address public interest grievances related to cultural sensitivities and historical dedications, while also encouraging voluntary compliance and restitution by the parties involved.
Bottom Line:
Public Interest Litigation concerning alleged misuse of dedicated song "Shoorveer" in film "Mirzapur: the Movie" - Since respondents stated that the song had already been removed from the movie and petitioner did not dispute the same, grievance stood redressed and PIL was disposed of - Respondent No. 3 further volunteered to donate Rs. 50,000/- to the Army Welfare Fund, failing which matter was directed to be listed only on the aspect of costs.
Statutory provision(s):
Constitution of India, 1950 Article 226
Prashant Kumar Singh v. Union of India, (Delhi)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2998836
