MP Court Issues Notices to Neeraj Pandey and Netflix over ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’ Title Controversy

A court in Madhya Pradesh has issued notices to filmmaker Neeraj Pandey and several senior executives of Netflix regarding the title of the film ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’. This order was made by the First Class Judicial Magistrate Court in Jabalpur following a criminal defamation complaint that claims the film’s title disparages the Brahmin community.

Details of the Complaint

The matter was reviewed by Magistrate Pankaj Savita, who assessed an affidavit and accompanying documents provided by the complainant, Pt. Vaibhav Pathak. After examining the submitted evidence, the court deemed it necessary to issue notices to the involved parties.

Pathak, a member of the Madhya Pradesh Progressive Brahmin Mahasabha, contended that the film’s title undermines the dignity associated with the Brahmin community. His complaint argued that the term “Pandit” has long represented knowledge and sanctity within Indian culture, and linking it to a term that translates to “briber” tarnishes the reputation of the community.

Legal Arguments Presented

During the proceedings, Aseem Trivedi, the advocate representing the complainant, emphasized that while the film’s title is reportedly set to be altered in accordance with a Supreme Court directive, the negative impact generated by earlier marketing cannot be undone. He pointed out that the extensive promotion of the initial title had already caused reputational harm, warranting accountability from those responsible.

Notice Recipients and Court Expectations

The court has issued legal notices to Neeraj Pandey in his role as the producer-director of the film, in addition to senior Netflix executives including Reed Hastings, Ted Sarandos, Bela Bajaria, and Monika Shergill.

In light of the notices, the designated individuals and their representatives are expected to appear in court to provide their responses. The next hearing date will be announced in due course.

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