Ghooskhor Pandat Faces Legal Challenge: Delhi High Court Petition Seeks Ban on Netflix Release
Manoj Bajpayee’s upcoming film Ghooskhor Pandat has sparked controversy since Netflix announced its release. The OTT platform and the filmmakers have reportedly received a legal notice over the project. The upcoming movie has become embroiled in a dispute that raises questions about its title and content.
According to a report by ANI, a writ petition has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the release and streaming of the Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat. The petitioner has alleged that the title and the content are defamatory and communally offensive.
The report suggests that the plea filed through Advocate Vineet Jindal seeks issuance of a writ of mandamus directing authorities to restrain and retain the streaming of the film along with other consequential reliefs. The petition has been filed by Mahender Chaturvedi, who has described himself as an Acharya devoted to the study, teaching and propagation of Indian scriptures, philosophy and spiritual traditions.
The claims, as per his plea, allege that the word ‘Pandat’ associates with corruption and bribery, thereby harming the dignity and reputation of the Brahmin community as well as his own vocation. The plea also mentions that Netflix India has announced and promoted the film and circulated promotional material that allegedly links the term ‘Pandat’ with immoral and corrupt conduct.
Under Article 19(1)(a), the plea states that the same is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) and does not extend to hate speech, defamation or content that may disturb communal harmony and public order. The petitioner has also alleged that the Union Government has failed to establish an effective regulatory mechanism to prevent the misuse of creative freedom on OTT platforms.
The petitioner has sought directions to the Union of India and Netflix India to stay the release and streaming of the film. He has also sought an interim order staying the release of impugned content during the pendency of the case as well as directions to the Union Government to take appropriate action against Netflix India under applicable laws governing digital and OTT platforms.