The Delhi High Court was informed that the controversial Netflix film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ will now be released under a new title. Producers have withdrawn all promotional material, leading the Court to dispose of the petition after noting that the petitioner’s concerns stand addressed.
The controversy surrounding the title of a Netflix film named ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ came to an end today before the Delhi High Court. The case was heard in Mahender Chaturvedi V/S Union Of India & Anr., where the Court was informed that the producers of the film have decided to change its title.
A Bench led by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav was hearing a petition filed by Mahender Chaturvedi. The petitioner had approached the Court seeking directions to stay the release of the film on Netflix, objecting to its title. The film, which stars Manoj Bajpayee, had attracted criticism and objections from sections of society due to its name.
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Chaturvedi argued before the Court that the title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’, which loosely translates to “corrupt pandit”, was communally offensive. He claimed that such a title could harm the dignity, reputation, and sentiments of the Brahmin community and could also disturb social harmony. According to the petitioner, the title was disrespectful and created a negative stereotype.
During the hearing, the Court was informed that Netflix and the film’s producers had taken steps to resolve the issue. After hearing submissions from all sides, the High Court disposed of the petition, noting that the grievance raised by the petitioner had been addressed.
While passing the order, the Bench observed:
“The Court appreciates the stand taken by Netflix and Union. In view thereof, nothing more is required to be adjudicated. Disposed of. Petitioner’s grievance stands satisfied. If pursuant to proposed title of the film, if any action has been initiated, the same will have to be looked into with perspective of the statement given by Netflix and tand taken by the Union. The order can be brought to the notice of the authority where similar prayer is made,”
Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar, appearing on behalf of Netflix, informed the Court that the producers had voluntarily decided to change the title of the film. He explained that the new title would better reflect the story and intention of the movie.
Nayar told the Court that the film is a reformative fictional police drama and clarified that the earlier title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ had resulted in unintended controversy. He submitted that this controversy did not match the actual content or message of the film. According to him, the producers never intended to hurt any community or create social tension.
He further informed the Court that the film is currently in the editing stage. It was also brought to the Court’s notice that all promotional material related to the earlier title has already been taken down by the producers.
Appearing for the Union of India, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma stated before the Court that:
“the government had constructively intervened.”
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Responding to this submission, Justice Kaurav remarked:
“very good”
With these observations, the Delhi High Court formally closed the matter, appreciating the cooperative approach adopted by Netflix and the Central Government to resolve the issue without further litigation.
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