The Delhi High Court on Tuesday disposed of a plea challenging the release of Netflix’s Manoj Bajpayee-starrer Ghooskhor Pandat after the streaming platform informed that the film would be renamed. The decision follows concerns over the alleged “defamatory” and “casteist” nature of the original title.
The petition was filed by Mahender Chaturvedi, a religious acharya, who sought a stay on the release of the film Ghooskhor Pandat, alleging that the title linked the term pandat with corruption and bribery, thereby maligning the Brahmin community. The plea contended that the film’s title was offensive, defamatory, and an attack on religious and cultural identity.
The petitioner further argued that while creative liberty is protected, it must not cross into the realm of defamation or insult to any particular community.
During the hearing before Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, senior counsel for Netflix submitted that the producer had voluntarily decided to change the title of the film in light of the concerns raised. The court recorded:
“The producer has taken a conscious decision in light of the concern that has arisen to change the title of the film from ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ to an alternate title which more accurately reflects the film’s narrative and intent.”
It was also stated that Ghooskhor Pandat is a fictional police drama currently in the editing stage, and the controversial title had led to “unintended interruptions” that did not align with the actual content of the film.
All promotional material bearing the original title has reportedly been taken down.
Satisfied with Netflix’s stand, the High Court concluded that there was no further need for adjudication. The court accordingly disposed of the petition, noting:
“Nothing more was required to be adjudicated.”
