Supreme Court Records Undertaking in Ghooskar Pandat Case
The Supreme Court has disposed of a petition against the upcoming Netflix film Ghooskar Pandat after producer Neeraj Pandey undertook to withdraw the contested title. The bench, led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, accepted the filmmaker’s affidavit on Thursday and formally closed the proceedings, bringing an end to the legal challenge over the film’s name.
The case stemmed from a public interest litigation alleging that the original title of Ghooskar Pandat promoted caste-based stereotypes and risked communal disharmony. The petitioners argued that the title linked a specific community with corruption and wrongdoing.
What the Supreme Court Said
During the hearing, Justice Nagarathna observed that “sensibilities are fragile” in the present climate and emphasised that audiences should not become overly sensitive. At the same time, the bench noted that stepping back from a potentially contentious title was a prudent move.
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, who was also part of the bench, agreed with the decision to close the matter but indicated that he would record a separate opinion. When the Union government’s counsel suggested that the dispute had been resolved, Justice Bhuyan remarked that he would still express his views independently.
The court accepted Pandey’s written undertaking that the title Ghooskar Pandat stood unequivocally withdrawn and would not be used in any form.
Filmmaker’s Undertaking on Ghooskar Pandat
In his affidavit, Neeraj Pandey stated that the earlier title would not be used in any manner whatsoever. While the new title has not yet been finalised, he assured the court that it would not be similar to or evocative of the withdrawn name.
The affidavit further stated that the revised title would reflect the narrative and intent of the film without giving rise to unintended interpretations.
Senior advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul, appearing for Pandey, submitted that the filmmakers had no intention of hurting the sentiments of any community.
Background to the Petition
The plea was filed by Atul Mishra, National Organisation Secretary of a Brahmin group, who contended that the film’s title portrayed the community in a derogatory manner. The petition argued that the portrayal could disturb public order and communal harmony.
However, the bench questioned how such conclusions could be drawn about a film that had not yet been released. The court also noted that the promotional material for the film had already been withdrawn earlier this month following concerns raised during the proceedings.
The film, directed by Ritesh Shah and produced by Neeraj Pandey, is said to revolve around a fictional police drama involving themes of corruption. It reportedly stars Manoj Bajpayee in a lead role.
Implications for Creative Freedom
The Ghooskar Pandat case once again highlights the delicate balance between creative expression and public sensitivities in India’s film industry. Courts have increasingly been approached to adjudicate disputes over film titles, dialogues, and themes before a project’s release.
By closing the matter after the undertaking, the Supreme Court avoided a detailed examination of the film’s content while reinforcing that voluntary corrective action can resolve disputes without prolonged litigation.
For now, the filmmakers are expected to announce a revised title, and production will proceed under the new name.
The court’s decision effectively ends the legal challenge over Ghooskar Pandat, allowing the project to move forward without the contested title.
Also read : Hey Balwanth Movie Review: A Comedy Drama That Divides
