PANAJI
On the eve of celebrity singer Sunidhi Chauhan’s live concert in Goa, the spotlight has briefly shifted from the stage to a stern caution issued by the South Goa District Child Protection Unit (DCPU).
With children aged five and above permitted to attend the live music event at Verna cricket stadium on Sunday, authorities have moved to ensure the evening’s entertainment does not stray into territory that could harm young audiences.
The DCPU has asked organisers to ensure that no songs promoting smoking, tobacco or alcohol consumption are performed, invoking child welfare provisions under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
“As per the event details available in public domain, the said programme permits entry to children aged 5 years and above. In this context, concerns have been raised regarding the possible performance of certain popular songs of singer Sunidhi Chauhan, namely “Beedi Jalaile” and “Sharabi”, which are widely perceived to glorify the use of tobacco products and alcohol, respectively,” reads the letter by DCPO Amanda Noronha to the Manager of 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium and the organisers/event management team of The World Legends Pro T20 League.
The DCPU stressed that the safety and mental well-being of children must remain paramount, citing Section 3(iv) of the JJ Act, which lays down the principle of the child’s best interest, requiring all decisions to prioritise their physical, emotional, moral, and psychological welfare.
The advisory further stated that exposing minors to “public performances that normalise or glorify tobacco and alcohol consumption may have a negative and lasting influence on children and adolescents, and is inconsistent with the objectives of the JJ Act, 2015.”
The action came following a complaint by Dr Panditrao Dharenwar, Associate Professor from Chandigarh, who objected to the performance of Sunidhi’s hit numbers Beedi Jalaile and Sharabi. Dr Dharenwar argued that such songs glamorize the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, portraying harmful habits in an attractive light. Such portrayals before children, he said, could distort their perceptions and normalise substance use.
Maintaining that the administration does not intend to interfere with artistic freedom or the conduct of the concert, the DCPU said the move is preventive, meant solely to safeguard minors.
