'Being woke is one thing, but ... ':SC flays makers of 'Ghooskhor Pandat'; directs title change

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Thursday reprimanded the makers of the Netflix film "Ghooskhor Pandat" and directed them to change the title, saying it was denigrative of a particular community.

A bench led by Justice BV Nagarathna said that the top court cannot permit any section of society to be denigrated by the title of the film or by other offensive material in it.

"Why should you denigrate anybody? It’s against morality and public order. Being woke is one thing. But creating this kind of unrest when there is already unrest in the country. We thought filmmakers, journalists, etc., are all responsible people and are aware of the exceptions and reasonable restrictions under Article 19(1)(a) (fundamental right to free speech and expression)," Justice Nagarathna verbally remarked.

"You tell us what names you are suggesting for the title change. Issue notice to the respondents. No section of society should be denigrated. From as early as the late 40s, the framers of the Constitution were aware of the multitude of races, castes, etc. So they introduced the concept of fraternity. If you use your freedom to denigrate any section of society, we can’t permit it," she added.

The court was hearing a PIL seeking a stay on the release and screening of the upcoming film "Ghooskhor Pandat", alleging that the movie promotes caste- and religion-based stereotyping and hurts the dignity and religious sentiments of the Brahmin community.

The court has listed the matter for hearing on February 19. The respondents - the filmmakers - have been directed to file an affidavit containing a new title and details of other changes in the film, in compliance with the court’s order.