Nora Fatehi's work permit in India under scrutiny after lawyers write to MHA

Actress Nora Fatehi has been making headlines ever since her latest song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke from Kannada film KD Devil came under scrutiny for its 'double-meaning' lyrics. Now, a group of ten lawyers petitioned the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking cancellation of Nora's work permit and her deportation over her latest song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke. According to reports, the complaint was also sent to multiple authorities, including the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and the National Commission for Women, indicating the gravity of the matter. The lawyers allege that the song's content is obscene, sexually suggestive, and offensive to public morality and women's dignity. In their letter, they claim the actor has misused her privilege to work in India by promoting such material. Citing provisions of the Foreigners Act, 1946, they argue the government is empowered to act against foreign nationals whose conduct may harm public decency or order. Additional references were made to the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, and other legal statutes. The petition further claims the song violates several legal provisions, including sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and the Information Technology Act, 2000. Beyond legal arguments, the lawyers contend that such portrayals encourage obscenity, objectification of women, and problematic social narratives. Earlier, while responding to the backlash, Nora had said that she was not aware of the meaning of the lyrics as she had shot for the song in Kannada. She said that the translated version was used without her permission. However, the lawyers rejected her explanation, terming it an afterthought and asserting that performers cannot claim credit and compensation while distancing themselves from the content. They also maintained that the use of AI tools does not remove human accountability for such productions. The religious body, the Muslim Personal Darul Ifta in Aligarh, issued the fatwa against Nora after the song began receiving backlash online for its lyrics. According to the religious body, the track contains content that they consider objectionable and against Islamic teachings. Meanwhile, the Union government, on Wednesday, confirmed that the song has been banned following widespread criticism over its lyrics and visuals. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision in the Lok Sabha while responding to a question raised by Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadouria.