A video has been doing the rounds on social media that shows a Delhi Police officer asking a street artist to stop performing in Delhi's Connaught Place.
In the clip, uploaded on Twitter, the artist is seen sitting on the ground and playing guitar as a crowd gathers to enjoy the music. A police officer then approaches the artist and pulls his arm away from the guitar gesturing him to stop playing and get up. “Jab awaaz de raha hun nahi sunoge to kya karein. (What else would I do if you don't listen to me),” the cop can be heard saying.
“Watched this clip on Instagram. Delhi Police this is not done. These artists make our Delhi more aesthetical, musical. Shame!!!” the caption of the Twitter post read.
Watched this clip on Instagram. @DelhiPolice this is not done. These artists make our delhi more aesthetical, musical. Shame !!! pic.twitter.com/FJhENQGkdV
— Rajesh Tailang (@rajeshtailang) January 4, 2023
Several social media users showed their support for the artist while others said that the policeman was just doing his duty.
“Sad! What's wrong in playing guitar?” a user asked.
Sad! What's wrong in playing guitar?
— I am Rajarshi (@RajarshiAm) January 5, 2023
“This is so disrespectful for an artist. Hope Delhi Police will apologise for this,” a comment read.
This is so disrespectful for an artist. Hope @DelhiPolice will apologise for this.
— Roshan Bhondekar (@roshan_b) January 4, 2023
One person wrote, “Don't know if Delhi has some legal regulations that prohibit this , but you will see artists in USA, UK at corner, train stations just playing it and in many cases people joining in or at least enjoying it”.
Don't know if Delhi has some legal regulations that prohibit this , but you will see artists in USA , UK at corners , train stations just playing it and in many cases people joining in or at least enjoying it .
— Raj Arora (@duniyashadai) January 5, 2023
Another highlighted, “World over these type of activities are permitted with appreciation, an artist display his or her talent not only to earn for his living but also entertain. In most cities when footpath can be encroached by vendors why shouldn't this be permitted”.
World over these type of activities are permitted with appreciation, an artist display his or her talent not only to earn for his living but also entertain . In most cities when footpath can be encroached by vendors why shouldn't this be permitted
— Surendra Bhauwala (@surendra_blr) January 5, 2023
“Even if it is illegal today, I hope the govt makes amends to make such things legal in the coming weeks. Gives opportunity to talent and is a good tourist attraction,” a comment read.
Even if it is illegal today, I hope the govt makes amends to make such things legal in the coming weeks. Gives opportunity to talent and is a good tourist attraction @DelhiPolice @DelhiGovDigital
— George Tonsing (@gtonsing) January 5, 2023
Some were of the opinion that the performer was breaking rules.
“Busking should be license-based. Before you quote Europe on this, you have to take a license and apply for a time slot for a particular spot in Europe. Artists just coming up to a spot and gathering crowd attention is just a menace for the rest of the crowd and law and order,” a user wrote.
Busking should be license-based. Before you quote Europe on this, you have to take a license and apply for a time slot for a particular spot in europe. Artists just coming up to a spot and gathering crowd attention is just a menace for the rest of the crowd and law & order.
— Saksham (@SAKSHAM111) January 4, 2023
One Twitter user wrote, “This is CP, if it gets crowded, it will disturb free movement. He can go to nearby Central park...none would bother him there”.
This is CP, if it gets crowded, it will disturb free movement. He can go to nearby Central park...none would bother him there.
— बिहार | Bihar ● (@Biharyouth1) January 5, 2023
“There is a proper place for it. Nobody has the right to plop down anywhere they like and blast their music, whether others like it or not,” a comment read.
There is a proper place for it. Nobody has the right to plop down anywhere they like and blast their music, whether others like it or not.
— Gopal Vaidya (@GopalVaidya12) January 4, 2023
The artist seen in the video is Anshul Riaji, who performs in various public places in Delhi and uploads videos of it on his Instagram page.
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