Thu Feb 12 08:24:39 UTC 2026: # Supreme Court Puts Brakes on Manoj Bajpayee Film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ Over Caste Concerns

The Story:

The Supreme Court of India has intervened in the release of the film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’, starring Manoj Bajpayee, issuing notices to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board for Film Certification, and filmmaker Neeraj Pandey. The court raised concerns about the film’s title, stating that it could denigrate a section of society and potentially disrupt public order and morality. The case stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Atul Mishra of the Brahman Samaj of India, alleging that the film promotes caste-based stereotypes and defames the Brahmin community.

Key Points:

  • The Supreme Court heard a plea seeking a stay on the release of ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ on Netflix on February 12, 2026.
  • Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan issued notices to relevant bodies and the filmmaker.
  • The court expressed strong reservations about the film’s title, suggesting it denigrates a section of society.
  • The court directed Neeraj Pandey to file an affidavit affirming the film does not denigrate any community.
  • The next hearing is scheduled for February 19, 2026.
  • The PIL claims the film’s title and storyline are offensive and portray the Brahmin community in a defamatory light, using the term “Pandat,” a caste identifier, alongside “Ghooskhor,” meaning bribery.
  • Netflix has already stated the film will be renamed, according to the Delhi High Court.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Supreme Court is actively scrutinizing content that may promote caste-based discrimination or disrupt social harmony.
  • The judiciary is responsive to public concerns regarding potentially offensive or defamatory portrayals of specific communities in media.
  • The case highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding caste-related issues in India and the potential for legal challenges against content perceived as discriminatory.
  • The film industry faces increasing pressure to ensure its content adheres to constitutional values and promotes social harmony.
  • OTT platforms like Netflix are under increased scrutiny regarding the content they stream in India.

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