MANSA, July 1: A local court here has granted Balkaur Singh, father of slain Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, time till July 21 to file his response in an ongoing case against the BBC over its documentary The Killing Call.
The directive came after Singh once again failed to submit his reply, even as the BBC World Service and two of its employees filed their written statements on Tuesday, challenging the maintainability of the suit.
The dispute centers on a two-episode documentary released on June 11 — Moosewala’s birth anniversary — which Balkaur claims was made without the family’s consent and could potentially harm their sentiments. He had sought a stay on the documentary, prompting initial court proceedings.
Appearing for the BBC employees, advocate Gurdas Mann said, “We have submitted the written statement to the court, primarily highlighting that the slain singer was a public personality and that the case is not maintainable before this court.”
The BBC had earlier argued on June 16 that the Mansa court lacked jurisdiction, noting that neither the cause of action nor any substantial connection lies within the district. The court had then asked Balkaur to submit his reply by June 23 — a deadline he missed.
In their defence, the BBC and its employees maintained that the documentary was produced in the public interest and centered around a figure of national and global recognition.
Sidhu Moosewala, known for his outspoken lyrics and popularity among youth, was shot dead on May 29, 2022, in Jawaharke village, sparking widespread public outcry.
The court’s next step will depend on Balkaur Singh’s response, now due by July 21.
