Supreme Court Asks Filmmaker About Film Title 'Ghooskhor Pandat'

The Supreme Court of India is looking at a film called 'Ghooskhor Pandat'. Judges asked the filmmaker if the title might be hurtful to people. They want to be sure the movie does not insult any group. The next court date is February 19.
By Newsroom | Law, India |

A recent Supreme Court hearing has brought the film 'Ghooskhor Pandat' under scrutiny. The court expressed significant concerns regarding the movie's title, specifically questioning its potential to demean or insult a portion of society. This action stems from a legal challenge aiming to halt the film's release on the streaming platform Netflix. The justices are now awaiting a formal assurance from the filmmaker, Neeraj Pandey, that the film does not target or degrade any community.

The case involves a petition that seeks to prevent the movie, which stars Manoj Bajpayee, from being shown. The Supreme Court, in its deliberation, issued official notices to key bodies including the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC), and Neeraj Pandey. These entities are now required to respond to the allegations made against the film. The next hearing is scheduled for February 19.

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You can't denigrate section of society by such title: Supreme Court raps Neeraj Pandey on 'Ghooskhor Pandat' - 1

Film's Content and Legal Challenge

The core of the legal challenge lies in the accusation that 'Ghooskhor Pandat' promotes harmful stereotypes based on caste and religion. Critics argue that such content poses a threat to public order, communal harmony, and fundamental constitutional principles. The plea specifically requests a halt to the film's distribution on platforms like Netflix.

The film itself features a cast including Manoj Bajpayee, Nushrat Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi, and Divya Dutta. The narrative of the film and its title have become central to the legal proceedings.

You can't denigrate section of society by such title: Supreme Court raps Neeraj Pandey on 'Ghooskhor Pandat' - 2

Court's Inquiry and Filmmaker's Obligation

A bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan presided over the proceedings. The court directly addressed Neeraj Pandey, asking about the justification for using a title that could be seen as denigrating a section of society.

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The Supreme Court directed Pandey to submit a sworn statement (affidavit) confirming that the film 'Ghooskhor Pandat' does not denigrate any group within society.

You can't denigrate section of society by such title: Supreme Court raps Neeraj Pandey on 'Ghooskhor Pandat' - 3

This judicial intervention highlights the court's role in ensuring media content does not incite prejudice or cause undue offense to specific communities. The court's questioning suggests a cautious approach to the potential impact of film titles on public perception and social cohesion.

Broader Implications and Future Steps

The situation raises important questions about creative freedom versus social responsibility in filmmaking. While artists often push boundaries, the courts are tasked with balancing this with the need to protect societal harmony and prevent the spread of discriminatory narratives.

You can't denigrate section of society by such title: Supreme Court raps Neeraj Pandey on 'Ghooskhor Pandat' - 4

The issuance of notices to governmental bodies like the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the CBFC indicates that these agencies may also be involved in reviewing or regulating content deemed potentially harmful. The upcoming hearing on February 19 is expected to shed more light on how these concerns will be addressed and what further actions, if any, will be taken regarding the film's release.

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The core of the legal issue revolves around the title 'Ghooskhor Pandat' and the alleged promotion of caste and religion-based stereotyping, which the Supreme Court is examining for its potential to denigrate a section of society.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the film called?
The film is called 'Ghooskhor Pandat'.
Q: Why is the Supreme Court looking at the film?
The court is worried the film's title might be insulting to some people in society.
Q: What does the filmmaker need to do?
The filmmaker must tell the court in writing that the film does not insult any group.
Q: When is the next court meeting?
The next meeting is on February 19.