New Delhi, March 18 -- The Union government has confirmed that the song 'Sarke Chunariya' 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.

Addressing the House, Vaishnaw said the government had already acted against the song and reiterated that freedom of speech in India is subject to constitutional limits. The minister emphasized that expression must operate within the framework of reasonable restrictions laid down by the Constitution.

"The song has already been banned," Vaishnaw said during the parliamentary discussion, adding, ...