Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed all proceedings against popular singer Guru Randhawa in a criminal case involving his song “Sirra.” Justice Surya Partap Singh issued the stay order on Sunday, March 22, 2026, after observing that a trial court in Samrala had issued a notice to the singer without recording preliminary evidence, a mandatory step under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The case stems from a criminal complaint filed in Samrala, alleging that certain lyrics in Randhawa’s song “Sirra” defamed the Jatt-Sikh community and insulted a religious custom. Representing the singer, advocates Tejeshwar Singh and Tarushi Monga argued that the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate had bypassed statutory requirements by issuing a notice on August 25, 2025, without first examining the complainant’s evidence. The high court concurred, noting that the procedural lapse made the lower court’s order “apparent” in its error.
Randhawa’s legal team further clarified that there was no malicious intent behind the lyrics. They pointed out that upon receiving a legal notice regarding the song, the singer had promptly replied and provided an assurance to revise or remove the contentious content. The court was informed that this assurance was acted upon in good faith, with the singer engaging digital platforms to take down the specific material.
The High Court has now issued a notice of motion to the concerned parties and fixed July 16, 2026, for the next hearing. Until then, the proceedings in the Samrala trial court will remain suspended. This ruling provides temporary relief to the artist, who has consistently maintained that he holds the community and religious traditions in high regard.
