Ban on the release of Ghooskhor Pandat? Supreme Court strictly questions Neeraj Pandey, makers will have to change name

Neeraj Pandey The upcoming Netflix film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ has been a part of controversies. There was a lot of uproar about this Manoj Bajpayee starrer film. A lot of people had a problem with the title of the film which includes the word Pandit. People complained that the title ‘Ghushkhor Pandit’ insults the Brahmin community, hence the film should be banned. There was a huge protest against the film and the matter reached the court.

Now Delhi High Court has told Netflix that the makers of the film have taken a ‘conscious decision’ that the title will be changed. The new name will be such that it matches the story of the film and does not create controversy. Promotional material has also already been removed. After this, the High Court disposed of the petition, which means there was no need to impose a stay because the makers themselves are changing the name.

What did the court say?

During the hearing, the Supreme Court directly asked the film’s director/producer Neeraj Pandey, ‘Why do you want to degrade a section of the society with such words?’ The court said the title of the film was against morality and public order. The court said that freedom of expression is very important, but this freedom does not give the right to defame any community or class or hurt their sentiments.

Main orders and instructions of the court

• The Supreme Court has ordered Neeraj Pandey to file an affidavit. It will have to be clearly written in this affidavit that the film ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’ does not insult any society, caste, class or community. The film is completely fictional and does not comment on any particular community.
• The court has issued notice to the Central Government, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and Neeraj Pandey. This notice has been issued on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), in which a complete ban on the release of the film has been demanded.
• The court said in a strict tone – Unless you tell us that the name of the film has been changed, we will not allow it to be released.
• The next hearing of the case has been fixed on February 19. It will be decided on that day whether the name of the film will be changed or not, and whether there will be any ban on its release.

What is the reason for the dispute?

The name of the film is ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’. Bribery means a bribe taker or a corrupt person. The word ‘Pandat’ or ‘Pandit’ is usually associated with the Brahmin community, denoting a priest or scholar. Many people, especially those from the Brahmin community, said that this title insults the entire Brahmin community. He says that from the name it seems as if Pandits are bribe takers (corrupt). This tarnishes the respect of the community and hurts caste sentiments. People consider it casteist and disturbing communal harmony.

What happened after the controversy?

• There was fierce protest on social media.
• People were making negative comments.
• Brahmin organizations demonstrated in states like UP and Madhya Pradesh and demanded a ban on the film.
• An FIR (police case) was registered in Lucknow, in which it was said that this could disturb social harmony.
• A petition was filed in the Delhi High Court, in which there was a demand to stop the release of the film and change the title. The petitioner said that the title defames Brahmins.
• Some political leaders and organizations also joined the protest.
• Neeraj Pandey gave a statement that the film is not about any caste or community, it is a completely fictional story. They removed the promotional videos and posters from social media. Manoj Bajpayee also said that he respects the sentiments of the people.