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The SC direction came while the Court was hearing a public interest litigation seeking a stay on the film’s release and screening.
SC orders director to change title of Ghooskhor Pandat before release
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed the makers of the Netflix film 'Ghooskhor Pandat' to change its title. The Top Court reprimanded filmmaker Neeraj Pandey in the Manoj Bajpayee film "Ghooskhor Pandat" case and observed that it is “denigrative” of a particular community.
The Supreme Court asked why he was defaming a segment of society by using such a title.
The SC direction came while the Court was hearing a public interest litigation seeking a stay on the film’s release and screening. A bench led by Justice BV Nagarathna said the Court cannot permit any section of society to be denigrated by the title of a film or by any other offensive material in it, if such material exists. The judges underscored that while creative freedom is protected, it cannot come at the cost of social harmony.
The Supreme Court told filmmaker Neeraj Pandey that the film's title was against morality and public order. The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Central Government, the CBFC, and Neeraj Pandey on a petition seeking a stay on the release of "Ghooskhor Pandat" on Netflix.
The Backgrounder
On 3 February Netflix announced its "India Plan" for the year 2026. Manoj Bajpayee's film "Ghuskhor Pandit" was announced with the release of a teaser. However, controversy erupted over its title. People took to the streets. The matter subsequently reached the court.
In the film, Manoj Bajpayee plays a corrupt police officer, known as "Pandit" within the police department. The controversy began with the release of the film's title. The Supreme Court has now issued a notice to the Central Government and the CBFC regarding its release on Netflix.
Justice Nagarathna Observation
“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," observed Justice Nagarathna.
"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”, added Justice Nagarathna.
