SC accepts plea against ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’, orders title ban and teaser takedown

New Delhi: In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Wednesday accepted major requests in a petition challenging the upcoming OTT release ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’, directing that the film’s title be banned and its teaser be taken down from social media platforms.

The petition, filed by Atul Mishra, raised objections to the film’s title, alleging that it was objectionable and had the potential to hurt sentiments.

Seeking urgent intervention ahead of the film’s scheduled digital premiere, the petitioner urged the apex court to restrain the makers from using the disputed title and to order the removal of promotional content already circulated online.

Speaking after the hearing, Mishra said the court had accepted their primary demands. “When we filed the petition, we demanded that the film’s title be banned and that the teaser released on social media be taken down. Today, the court accepted both our requests,” he stated.

Mishra further claimed that during the proceedings, the filmmakers’ counsel informed the bench that they would disclose certain names related to the controversy. According to Mishra, the court directed the respondents to first clarify which names were being used before placing further details on record.

Legal observers noted that the hearing also touched upon broader constitutional questions. Advocate Vinod Kumar Tiwari said the bench made important observations regarding freedom of expression.

“The court said that the term ‘Ghuskhor Pandat’ may fall under freedom of expression as guaranteed by Article 19(1). However, Article 19(2) imposes reasonable restrictions on that freedom. These restrictions must be followed,” Tiwari explained.

He added that the court emphasised that speech should not be derogatory or defamatory toward any section of society.

While the court’s directions mark a setback for the film’s current branding and promotions, it did not immediately halt the film’s release itself. The focus of the interim order appeared to be limited to the title and teaser, pending further consideration of the issues raised in the petition.

The film, backed by Neeraj Pandey and slated for release on Netflix, has drawn attention not only for its cast and creative team but also for the legal controversy surrounding its title. The case adds to a growing list of disputes involving films and OTT content facing judicial scrutiny over titles, themes, and portrayals.

Industry analysts say such legal challenges highlight the delicate balance between creative freedom and societal sensitivities in the era of digital streaming.

With OTT platforms operating across jurisdictions and reaching diverse audiences, filmmakers increasingly find themselves navigating legal and cultural minefields.

Further hearings in the matter are awaited, with the respondents expected to file their replies and clarify their stand on the objections raised.