Government takes U-turn in parody song case, case likely to be closed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has apparently taken a U-turn in the case registered against a parody song titled 'Pottiye Kettiye', which was released during the local body election period. The case will be closed after recording the statement of the complainant, Prasad Kuzhikkala. The government will also seek the court’s permission to quash the FIR.

The case had drawn widespread criticism, with many calling it an attack on freedom of expression and freedom of opinion. Several similar parody songs later appeared on social media, and the issue became a topic of national debate, following which the government decided to step back.

ADGP H. Venkatesh has instructed district police chiefs not to register cases based on complaints against the song. On Friday, Kerala Kaumudi had reported that the charge of promoting religious hatred would not stand and that the FIR would eventually be quashed by the court.

The case was registered under Sections 299 (hurting religious sentiments) and 353(1)(c) (creating enmity in society) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These sections carry a punishment of up to three years in prison and a fine. Police have also decided not to take action on complaints filed by the Youth Congress against other songs created to the same tune.

The police will not ask platforms such as YouTube and Meta to remove the song from social media. No cases will be registered against those who share or circulate the song online.

Meanwhile, complainant Prasad told the cyber police that his complaint was not against the song as a whole, but against the use of certain words in it. He demanded that the distorted use of the words “Ayyappan” and “Sasthavu” be corrected.

Withdrawal in mic-related case as well
The government has also withdrawn a case registered in July 2023 over a sound system malfunction during Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s speech at Ayyankali Hall. The case had been registered on charges of endangering public safety, though no individual was named as an accused. The microphone and amplifier seized from the sound system owner were returned after the case was withdrawn.

Song should not be removed, says Satheesan
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has written to YouTube and Meta, urging them not to remove the song in the absence of any court order.