FIR filed in Lucknow against ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ over alleged ‘caste insult’, filmmaker withdraws all promotional material

Public TV English
7 Min Read

LUCKNOW, NEW DELHI, MUMBAI: An FIR has been registered at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow against the makers of the web series ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ over allegations that its title and content “hurt religious and caste sentiments” and threaten public harmony.

The action follows directions to take strict measures against content that disturbs social peace, officials said. According to the Lucknow police, the Station House Officer of Kotwali Hazratganj, Inspector Vikram Singh, took cognisance of complaints related to the film/web series, which is stated to be broadcast on social media and an OTT platform.

The police said that prima facie the title has been deliberately framed to target and insult a particular community–specifically the Brahmin community, by associating the term “Pandat” with corruption. Authorities cited widespread anger and resentment among members of the Brahmin community and various social organisations over the name and alleged content of the film.

The police noted that some organisations have warned of aggressive protests, raising concerns about law and order and the potential disruption of social harmony. In view of the sensitive circumstances, an FIR has been registered under relevant sections against the film’s director, Neeraj Pandey and his team.

The police stated that further legal proceedings and investigation are under way, adding that a policy of zero tolerance will be followed against any attempt to hurt community sentiments or disturb public peace.

The police action comes amid parallel legal proceedings in Delhi. A writ petition has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the release and streaming of an upcoming Netflix film titled Ghooskhor Pandat. The petition, filed by Mahender Chaturvedi through Advocate Vineet Jindal, alleges that the title and proposed content are defamatory and communally offensive.

The petitioner claims that linking the term “Pandat” with bribery and immoral conduct harms the dignity and reputation of the Brahmin community and undermines the historical and cultural significance of the term, which he says signifies scholarship, ethical conduct and spiritual guidance.

The plea contends that the portrayal amounts to stereotyping and vilification of an entire religious and social community. The petition argues that the impugned content violates fundamental rights under Articles 14, 21 and 25 of the Constitution, while acknowledging that freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) is subject to reasonable restrictions.

It also seeks directions to the Union Government and Netflix India to stay the release and take action under applicable laws governing digital and OTT platforms, citing the risk of irreversible damage if the content is streamed.

Amid the mounting legal and social scrutiny over his upcoming web series ‘Ghooskhor Pandat,’ filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has issued an official statement clarifying the intent behind the project and announcing the withdrawal of all promotional material for the time being.

In his statement posted on his Instagram handle, Pandey said the film is a fictional cop drama and stressed that the term “Pandat” is used purely as a colloquial name for a fictional character. “The story focuses on an individual’s actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community”, the director said, adding that he approaches his work with a “deep sense of responsibility” to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Neeraj Pandey (@neerajpofficial)

Acknowledging that the title has caused hurt to some viewers, Pandey said the team has decided to take down all promotional materials. “We genuinely acknowledge those feelings. In light of these concerns, we have decided to take down all promotional materials for the time being, as we believe the film should be experienced in its entirety and understood in the context of the story we intended to tell, rather than judged on partial glimpses,” he wrote.

He also reiterated that the film was created with sincere intent and solely to entertain audiences. The statement comes against the backdrop of ongoing controversies.

Meanwhile, the Film Makers Combine (FMC) a Mumbai-based organisation has also raised an objection against the film’s title.

In a notice to film’s production house, Friday Story Tellers, FMC stated, “You are a bonafide member of IMPPA. As per our official record, you have not even applied for the title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat. As per the rules and regulations of Film Makers Combine, you cannot use the title which is unauthorized and not even applied and granted”. Seeking an immediate response from the makers, the notice also cautioned the makers of taking disciplinary action.

On the other hand, FMC also issued a notice to the streaming major Netflix, further adding, “We wish to bring in your kind notice that you are releasing a film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat produced by Mr Neeraj Pandey of Friday Story Tellers LLP on your esteemed channel Netflix. The title of the film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat has not been applied or granted by any of the Producers’ Associations. The unauthorized use of the title is illegal as per the rules and regulations of Film Makers Combine,” as per the statement.

It sought the streamer from refraining using the aforementioned title for the film. Netflix is yet to share a response on the developments. (ANI)

Share This Article
106 Comments
  • This design is wicked! You most certainly know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

  • I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thanks , I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your web site?

  • Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you’ve on this blog. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched all over the place and simply couldn’t come across. What a perfect web site.

  • I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

  • whoah this weblog is wonderful i like studying your posts. Keep up the great work! You know, lots of individuals are hunting around for this info, you can aid them greatly.

  • Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My website discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free to shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Superb blog by the way!

  • The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.

  • I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is needed to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100 positive. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it

  • Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks you really understand what you’re speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally visit my web site =). We could have a hyperlink change contract between us!

  • A person essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular publish extraordinary. Fantastic job!

  • Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  • You made some first rate points there. I appeared on the internet for the difficulty and found most people will go together with with your website.

  • Keep up the wonderful work, I read few content on this web site and I conceive that your web blog is really interesting and contains circles of superb information.

  • Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains. If you know of any please share. Cheers!

  • Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!

  • Thank you, I have recently been searching for info approximately this subject for a long time and yours is the greatest I have discovered till now. However, what about the bottom line? Are you sure concerning the source?

  • I’m not sure exactly why but this website is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.

  • Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  • After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.

  • Thanks for another fantastic article. Where else may anyone get that type of information in such an ideal manner of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the look for such info.

  • Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.

  • I’m impressed, I have to say. Actually rarely do I encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you’ve gotten hit the nail on the head. Your idea is outstanding; the problem is one thing that not enough individuals are talking intelligently about. I’m very joyful that I stumbled throughout this in my search for one thing referring to this.

  • Enjoyed studying this, very good stuff, thankyou. “It is well to remember that the entire universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others.” by John Andrew Holmes.

  • Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  • A person necessarily assist to make critically posts I would state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and so far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular put up extraordinary. Great job!

  • I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one today..

  • Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your web site in internet explorer, might test this?K IE still is the market leader and a huge portion of other people will leave out your magnificent writing because of this problem.

  • I have been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this site. Studying this information So i am glad to show that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I such a lot certainly will make certain to do not overlook this website and provides it a glance on a relentless basis.

  • You could certainly see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart.

  • I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100 positive. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it

  • We are a group of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with helpful info to paintings on. You’ve done an impressive activity and our entire group will likely be thankful to you.

  • Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share. Thank you!

  • Good post. I be taught one thing more challenging on different blogs everyday. It is going to at all times be stimulating to read content material from different writers and apply a bit one thing from their store. I’d prefer to make use of some with the content material on my blog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide you with a hyperlink on your net blog. Thanks for sharing.

  • Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share. Kudos!

  • I precisely wanted to thank you so much all over again. I am not sure the things I might have accomplished without these tips and hints contributed by you relating to such situation. Entirely was an absolute troublesome difficulty in my opinion, nevertheless being able to see the very skilled strategy you resolved it took me to leap with happiness. I will be happy for the service and thus hope that you recognize what an amazing job you happen to be undertaking training many others thru your webblog. More than likely you haven’t got to know any of us.

  • I discovered your weblog site on google and check a couple of of your early posts. Proceed to keep up the excellent operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. In search of ahead to reading more from you later on!…

  • I have been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Studying this info So i’m glad to express that I’ve a very just right uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make sure to do not forget this website and provides it a glance on a relentless basis.

  • Some truly great info , Sword lily I observed this. “The true republic men, their rights and nothing more women, their rights and nothing less.” by Franklin P. Adams.

  • I have been surfing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be a lot more useful than ever before.

  • Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, very good site!

  • Nice read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch since I found it for him smile Thus let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! “Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods.” by Aristotle.

  • I will right away grab your rss as I can’t find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me know in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  • You have remarked very interesting points! ps decent web site. “We make ourselves a ladder out of our vices if we trample the vices themselves underfoot.” by Saint Augustine.

  • Thank you for all your hard work on this site. Betty enjoys participating in research and it is simple to grasp why. My spouse and i learn all of the lively way you create precious strategies through this website and therefore attract response from visitors on the area of interest and our favorite daughter is now understanding a whole lot. Enjoy the remaining portion of the year. You are always doing a dazzling job.

  • Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us have created some nice practices and we are looking to trade strategies with others, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.

  • I got what you intend, regards for putting up.Woh I am thankful to find this website through google. “Wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with age. Sometimes age just shows up by itself.” by Woodrow Wilson.

  • My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content available for you? I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write about here. Again, awesome web site!

  • hello there and thank you to your info – I’ve certainly picked up anything new from right here. I did alternatively expertise a few technical issues the use of this website, as I skilled to reload the website many instances prior to I may get it to load correctly. I had been considering in case your web host is OK? No longer that I am complaining, however slow loading circumstances instances will sometimes impact your placement in google and can harm your high-quality score if advertising and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and could look out for much extra of your respective exciting content. Ensure that you update this again soon..

  • Outstanding post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Kudos!

  • Its such as you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the ebook in it or something. I think that you can do with some p.c. to pressure the message home a bit, however other than that, this is excellent blog. An excellent read. I will definitely be back.

  • Hello, Neat post. There is a problem with your site in internet explorer, would test thisK IE still is the market leader and a huge component to other folks will omit your fantastic writing because of this problem.

  • Hey, you used to write great, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your great writings. Past several posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!

  • I truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *