The Supreme Court has resolved a petition challenging the film formerly named ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ after filmmaker Neeraj Pandey confirmed the withdrawal of the contentious title and all related promotional material. Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan acknowledged Pandey’s assurance that the disputed title would be entirely discontinued and all promotional content featuring the previous name had been eliminated.
The court, led by Justice Nagarathna, concluded the proceedings, stating that no further directives were necessary in this regard. The filmmakers’ counsel informed the court that the title had already been retracted, urging an end to the film’s controversy. The apex court emphasized that with the acceptance of the undertaking, no new legal actions should be initiated concerning the challenged title.
Addressing the public interest litigation (PIL) alleging caste- and religion-based stereotyping in the film’s title and storyline, the Supreme Court declared the matter closed. The petition had argued that linking the term “Pandit” with “ghooskhor” perpetuated a defamatory stereotype and infringed on constitutional safeguards. Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey assured the court that the controversial title had been unequivocally withdrawn and that the film does not target any religion or community.
