Lucknow Police registers FIR against makers of Netflix show ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’, director Neeraj Pandey issues statement

(Image via Netlfix)

Amidst outrage over the name of the upcoming Netflix show ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’, starring actor Manoj Bajpayee, a case has been registered against the makers of the show at Lucknow’s Hazratganj Police Station. It has been alleged in the complaint that the show’s title and content “hurts religious and caste sentiments” while also threatening public harmony.

In a press release dated 6th January, the Lucknow Police Commissionerate informed that the FIR against the director and producer of the show Ghooskhor Pandat has been registered at the Hazratganj Police Station in accordance with the instructions of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to act against any “attempts to disturb the harmony in the society and hurt religious and caste sentiments.”

In this vein, Inspector in-charge Kotwali Hazratganj, Vikram Singh took cognizance of that a film/web series named ‘Ghoooskhor Pandat’ is being broadcast on social media and OTT platform ‘Netflix’. The police have booked the Ghooskhor Pandat’s director Neeraj Pandey and his team.

The Lucknow Police listed main points that have hurt the religious and caste sentiments of the Brahmin community, also commonly referred to as “Pandits”. The police said that those protesting say that sentiments of the Brahmin community have been hurt by the deliberate coupling of Pandat or Pandit with corruption.

“Caste Insult: The title of the said web series has been kept with the intention of targeting and insulting a particular community/caste (Brahmin). Social Outrage: The film’s title and content have sparked widespread anger and outrage among the Brahmin community and various social organizations. They have even warned of violent protests. Attempt to disturb peace: Prima facie it appears that the Director and his team have published this material with the intention of spreading animosity in the society, disturbing peace and harmony,” the police said.

Informing about the legal action being taken in the matter, the police said “In light of the above facts and sensitive circumstances, the Hazratganj Police Station has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the film’s director and his team under relevant sections. Given the seriousness of the matter, further legal proceedings and investigation are underway.”

Petition filed in Delhi court against Ghooskhor Pandat

This comes amidst a legal proceeding initiated in New Delhi, wherein a writ petition has been filed by one Mahender Chaturvedi via his counsel Vineet Jindal. The petitioner has alleged that the title and content of the Netflix show Ghooskhor Pandat are defamatory and is of communally offensive nature.

The petitioner contends that associating ‘Pandat’ with bribery and immoral conduct harms the Brahmin community’s reputation and dignity. In addition, such outrageous linking of the term Pandit with such acts diminishes the cultural and religious significance of the term Pandit, which is historically associated with ethical conduct, scholarship, intellect, and spiritual guidance.

In the plea, the petitioner alleges that the portrayal of Pandits in the Netflix show amounts to villainization and stereotyping of the entire Brahmin community.

According to the petition, the impugned content violates fundamental rights under Articles 14, 21 and 25 of the Constitution, while acknowledging that freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) is subject to reasonable restrictions.

In addition, the petitioner sought directions to the Central government and Netflix, to halt the release of the show and take necessary action, highlighting that the show’s release will inflict an irreversible damage.

Director Neeraj Pandey issues statement

Amidst FIRs, petitions and a massive online backlash, the director of the upcoming Netflix film, Neeraj Pandey, has issued a statement. Pandey said that the term “Pandat” had been used only as a colloquial name for a fictional character. However, in view of the hurt sentiments, all the promotional materials related to the show will be taken down. Pandey further stated that the film should be experienced in the context of the story, and not be judged on partial glimpses.

“Our film is a fictional cop drama, and the term ‘Pandat, is used simply as a colloquial name for a fictional character. The story focuses on an individual’s actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful. This film, like my earlier work, has been created with sincere intent and solely to entertain audiences. We understand that the title of the film has caused hurt to some viewers, and we genuinely acknowledge those feelings,” Pandey stated.

“In light of these concerns, we have decided to take down all promotional materials for the time being, as we believe the film should be experienced in its entirety and understood in the context of the story we intended to tell, rather than judged on partial glimpses. We look forward to sharing the film with audiences soon,” he added.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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