There Are Already Fissures In Society, Why Denigrate Anybody?: Supreme Court Asks Filmmakers To Change Title Of Movie "Ghooskhor Pandat"
The Court also said that freedom of expression is one thing that doesn’t give license to denigrate anybody.
The Supreme Court, while asking filmmakers to change the title of the movie 'Ghooskhor Pandat', has remarked that freedom of expression does not grant the right to denigrate specific sections of society.
The court said that it would not allow Manoj Bajpayee starrer 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.
The Bench of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan remarked, "You make a submission that you will not have this title...We are fully respecting your fundamental right under 19(1)(a)...But you see, there are certain restrictions. We want to include the aspect of fraternity. It is one of the basic principles of the Constitution...There are already fissures in society. Why should you denigrate anybody? Why should you denigrate a section of society with this kind of title? Being woke is one thing. But denigrating the public...You are adding to the unrest."
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 Court said, "Give us a new name and file an affidavit. Freedom of expression is one thing that doesn’t give license to denigrate anybody...till then, don’t create any 'halla gulla' about this matter. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill."
In response, Counsel for the filmmaker informed the court that a new title has not yet been finalized but assured that the revised name would not be controversial.
The Court further added, "We thought filmmakers, journalists, etc., are very responsible people. You tell us the new name; otherwise, we will not permit the release of the film."
The Court issued notice in the matter and directed Pandey to file an affidavit.
It was ordered, "Issue notice to the Respondents. It is submitted by the Learned Counsel that steps are being taken to change the title of the movie. List the matter on February 19, 2026"
Accordingly, the matter is now listed next on February 19.
Cause Title: Atul Mishra v. Union Of India & Ors. [W.P.(C) No.181/2026]