India, March 18 -- Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said that the controversial Bollywood song Sarke Chunar has been banned, asserting that freedom of speech must operate within "reasonable restrictions" that respect society and culture.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Vaishnaw said freedom of expression cannot be absolute. "A ban has been imposed on the song. We must operate according to the reasonable restrictions under the Freedom of Speech. Freedom of Speech cannot be absolute, it has to be in the context of the society and culture," he said.

The issue was raised in the Lower House by Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadouria, who sought clarification from the government regarding the controversial track.

The song, featuring actors...