Ghooskhor Pandat row: SC says won't allow Manoj Bajpayee Starrer's release till title renamed

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday has directed the makers of the Netflix film 'Ghooskhor Pandat' to change the title of the film as the current title is "denigrative of a particular community".

What did the court say?

During the hearing, a bench led by the Justice BV Nagarathna said that the Court cannot permit any section of society to be denigrated by the title of this film and other offensive material in the film (if any).   

The Court was hearing a PIL seeking a stay on the release and screening of the Manoj Bajpayee Starrer 'Ghooskhor Pandat', alleging that the movie promotes caste and religion-based stereotyping and hurts the dignity and religious sentiments of the Brahmin community.

Justice Nagarathna said that, "Why should you denigrate anybody. It’s against morality and public order. Being woke is one thing. But creating this kind of unrest when there is already unrest in the country. We thought filmmakers, journalists, etc., are all responsible people and are aware of exceptions and reasonable restrictions of Article 19 (1) (a) (Fundamental Right of Speech and Expression)."

"You tell us what names you are suggesting for the title change. Issue notice to the respondents. No section of society should be denigrated. For as long as the late 40s, the framers of the Constitution were aware of the multitude of races, castes, etc. So they introduced concept or fraternity. If you use your freedom to denigrate any section of society, we can’t permit it, "Justice Nagarathna remarked.

In response, the lawyer for the filmmakers told the Supreme Court that the title is being changed and described the project as a police drama. 

The Top Court pointed out that there is a priest in the film, then the lawyer said that the film has not yet been released. 

The Court has listed the matter to be heard next on February 19. 

The top court has also ordered the  filmmaker to file an affidavit containing a new title and other changes in the film, in compliance with the Court’s order today.

What is the controversy?

'Ghooskhor Pandat' was officially announced at the Netflix slate announcement event in Mumbai. 

The film started receiving backlash on social media after it was announced, as many people felt that the title was hurting their religious sentiments.

Later, FIRs were filed against the makers, Bajpayee, and Netflix, and even PILs seeking a ban on the film's streaming.

'Ghooskhor Pandat' stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role.