The Supreme Court on Wednesday sharply criticized makers of the upcoming Neeraj Pandey Netflix film "Ghooskhor Pandat," stating freedom of speech doesn't license denigrating societal sections, and issued notices to the Centre, CBFC, and producers for a February 19 hearing.
Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan questioned the title equating "Pandit" (Brahmin identifier) with "ghooskhor" (bribe-taker), warning it risks social harmony amid existing fissures: " Why should you denigrate a section of society by using such a title? Freedom of speech and expression does not mean you can portray a community in a bad light. We will not allow you to release the film unless you tell us that the title has been changed."
Filed by Atul Mishra of Brahman Samaj via advocate Vinod Kumar Tewari, the plea alleges caste-religion stereotyping violating Articles 14, 19(2), 21, 25, and 51A(e), seeking a release stay.
Counsel assured trailer removal and title revision; court mandated affidavit on steps. Delhi HC earlier closed a similar plea after Netflix pledged changes and pulled promotions.
The film, starring Manoj Bajpayee and announced February 3, drew backlash for offending Brahmin sentiments.