Supreme Court to Neeraj Pandey: Change film title or face stay on Netflix release of 'Ghooskhor Pandat’

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the makers of the Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat to change its title, observing that it carried a derogatory connotation towards a particular community and could not be permitted under constitutional limits, news agency ANI reported.

A bench led by Justice BV Nagarathna issued notice to the filmmakers and asked them to suggest an alternative title. The court also instructed the producers to submit an affidavit stating the proposed new name and outlining any other changes made in compliance with its order. The matter will be heard next on 19 February.

The directions came while the court was considering a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a stay on the release and screening of the upcoming film on Netflix. The plea alleged that the film’s title and promotional material promoted caste- and religion-based stereotyping and hurt the dignity and religious sentiments of the Brahmin community.

During the hearing, Justice Nagarathna made pointed oral observations on the boundaries of free speech, stressing that creative expression cannot be used to denigrate any section of society. She underlined that such portrayals go against morality and public order, adding that constitutional freedoms come with clearly defined reasonable restrictions.

Referring to the constitutional principle of fraternity, the judge noted that the framers of the Constitution were fully aware of India’s social diversity and deliberately incorporated safeguards to prevent vilification of communities. Any use of freedom of expression to demean a group, the court said, cannot be allowed.

The PIL challenged the Manoj Bajpayee-starrer’s earlier title, arguing that the term “Pandat” was being linked with corruption and bribery. The petitioner claimed this association was defamatory, communally offensive and damaging to the dignity and reputation of the Brahmin community.

Filed by Mahender Chaturvedi, who describes himself as an Acharya engaged in the study and teaching of Indian scriptures, the plea argued that the term historically signifies scholarship, moral authority and spiritual guidance. Linking it with immoral conduct, the petition said, amounted to stereotyping and vilification.

The petition further contended that while Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of speech and expression, it is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2), and does not extend to defamation or content that could disturb communal harmony. It also raised concerns about the lack of an effective regulatory mechanism for OTT platforms.

Earlier, on 10 February, the Delhi High Court was informed that the producer had taken a “conscious decision” to change the film’s title following objections. The High Court later disposed of the case after noting that the grievance was limited to the title and had been addressed by the decision to adopt a new name.

The observations came while the court was hearing a plea that alleged the film promotes caste- and religion-based stereotyping, and poses a threat to public order, communal harmony and constitutional values. The plea sought an immediate stay on the film’s release and streaming.

A bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna asked the parties to place the revised title on record within hours, noting that controversial titles are often chosen to generate publicity. The court indicated that the issue would be taken up again once the new name is formally communicated.

The controversy has also been examined by the Delhi High Court, which earlier heard a petition seeking a stay on the release and streaming of the Netflix film. During those proceedings, Netflix informed the court that the makers were willing to change the title and had already removed all promotional material from social media.

Recording Netflix’s submission, the High Court observed that no further orders were required and treated the matter as settled, declining to halt the release at that stage.

The film stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role.