Second Word Staying Next To First Word Is Causing Grievances: Apex Court Disposes Of Plea After Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey Undertakes To Change Title Of 'Ghooskhor Pandat'

The Supreme Court has disposed of the petition after Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey filed an Affidavit to give an undertaking to change the title of Manoj Bajpayee's starrer film 'Ghooskhor Pandat'.

The court was hearing a petition filed by the Brahman Samaj of India, which alleged that the title of the movie is derogatory and promotes caste-based stereotyping. Directed by Neeraj Pandey and starring Manoj Bajpayee, the film was scheduled to stream on Netflix. However, the title and its promotional campaign faced criticism following the announcement.

The Bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan ordered, "We find that Respondent No. 3 has positively responded to the grievances stipulated...and has realised as to what may be the consequences if there is any kind of adamant attitude...We find that the stand taken by Respondent No. 3 is appropriate in the facts and circumstances of the case...We hold that as per Paragraph 5 of the Affidavit, the Respondent No. 3 had decided to change the title of the film 'Ghooskhor Pandat' to any other suitable name. In view of the same, we find that this writ petition would not call for any further consideration, and the same stands dismissed."

The Court ordered, "Learned Senior Counsel appearing for the Respondent No. 3, with reference to the Affidavit filed by the Director and Producer, pursuant to our previous order, drew our attention to Paragraph 5 of the said Affidavit, which, according to him, is in the nature of an undertaking. Learned Senior Counsel submitted that, having regard to the unequivocal withdrawal of the title of the film and the decision taken to think of a new title, the cause no longer survives. It is submitted that the affidavit may be taken on record, and into consideration and consequently, the writ petition may be disposed of as the grievances advanced by the Petitioners herein are suitably satisfied by the...In response to this, Learned Counsel for the Petitioner submitted that the Respondent No. 3 (Director/Producer) has decided to withdraw the name of the film...We have taken note of the submissions made by the Counsels for Respondent No. 3 and the Petitioner..."

The court had previously said that it would not allow the film's release on Netflix unless the title is changed, noting that such names can cause social unrest and violate the constitutional principle of fraternity.

Counsel for Respondent No. 3/Director submitted, "We are withdrawing the title...it was never the intention to defame any community...the title originates out of a character in the movie..."

Justice Nagarathna remarked, "Grievance is with regard to the first word not the second word...See the second word staying next to the first word, is the one which is making up...this title will not be there."

Counsel for the Director said, "I am saying, as clearly as I can, that 'Ghoskhor Pandat' stands unequivocally withdrawn, this will not be used in any manner whatsoever...while the new title is not yet been finalised...whenever it will be adopted, it will not be similar to the earlier one."

The Court previously remarked that freedom of expression does not grant the right to denigrate specific sections of society and asked the filmmakers to change the title of the movie.

Accordingly, the matter is now disposed of.

Cause Title: Atul Mishra v. Union Of India & Ors. [W.P.(C) No.181/2026]