The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea seeking to halt the release of the Netflix movie “Ghooskhor Pandat” after Netflix assured a title change and removal of all related promotional content. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav acknowledged Netflix’s commitment to no longer use the disputed title and to eliminate all earlier promotional materials. Consequently, the court found no need for further action and closed the case.
The petition, represented by advocate Vineet Jindal, contested the film’s release due to the allegedly defamatory and communal nature of the title “Ghooskhor Pandat.” The petitioner, Mahender Chaturvedi, argued that associating the term “Pandat” with corruption and bribery in the title harms the dignity and reputation of the Brahmin community. Chaturvedi emphasized the historical, cultural, and religious significance of the term “Pandat” to the Brahmin community, symbolizing scholarship, ethical conduct, and moral authority.
Claiming that the film’s title constitutes collective defamation and vilification of a religious and social group, the petition alleged violations of constitutional articles protecting freedom of speech but not extending to hate speech or defamation. Additionally, the petition criticized the lack of regulatory oversight in the OTT space, allowing sensationalism and community-based vilification for profit. Failure to address these issues, the petition argued, would neglect the constitutional duty to uphold fraternity, secularism, and public order.
Actor Manoj Bajpayee responded to concerns about the film’s title, clarifying that the movie does not target any specific community.
