The Uttar Pradesh police issued an intimidating notice to folk singer Mrs. Neha Singh Rathore for her satirical song criticising the state administration. The notice, served by Inspector Mr. Pramod Kumar Shukla, alleges that her songs are causing social disharmony. The incident occurred on February 21, 2023, in Akbarpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.

The notice to Mrs. Rathore raises concerns of political reprisal and an attempt to curtail the right to dissent and freedom of speech. Former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju deems the notice illegal, emphasising that the police exceeded jurisdiction in serving it under Section 160 of CrPc to someone in Delhi.

This action is seen as a violation of Article 19(a) of the Indian Constitution, protecting the right to free speech.

HRDA urges NHRC to:

1. Direct the Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh to explain the illegal notice under Section 160 of CrPc and submit a written explanation to the NHRC within 4 weeks.
2. Ensure that Mrs. Neha Rathore is not subjected to further harassment by the administration for her songs. Obtain a written undertaking from the Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh.
3. Independently analyse the contents of Mrs. Rathore's video within the legal framework provided by the Supreme Court on free speech and expression, considering national and international law.
4. Issue a notice to the Uttar Pradesh Police for the misuse of powers and initiation of actions against Mrs. Neha Singh Rathore.

The appeal urges the National Human Rights Commission to address the alleged violation of Mrs. Rathore's rights, emphasising the importance of freedom of expression for artists and the need to prevent political reprisals against dissenting voices.