‘Why should you denigrate a section of society?’: Supreme Court pulls up ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ makers

Hearing a plea filed by Atul Mishra, the top court directed the makers to file an affidavit proposing a new title and fixed February 19 as the next date of hearing.

Besides issuing notice to the respondents — the Union of India, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and director Neeraj Pandey — a bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan observed, as quoted by Live Law: “Why should you denigrate a section of society by this kind of title?”

The makers have said they have already initiated steps to change the controversial title.

The row erupted soon after the trailer was unveiled, drawing sharp reactions and prompting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to direct the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against the director and team members for allegedly hurting sentiments and disturbing social harmony.

The trailer was subsequently taken down from online platforms amid the backlash.

Amid the controversy, co-director Neeraj Pandey clarified that the series is a fictional cop drama and does not target or represent any caste, religion or community.

“Our film is a fictional cop drama, and the term ‘Pandat’ is used simply 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,” Pandey said.

He added that the project was made with “sincere intent” solely to entertain audiences, and acknowledged that the title had hurt some viewers. Pandey said all promotional material had been temporarily withdrawn.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who plays the lead role, also addressed the controversy on X, saying he respects the concerns raised.

“When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen,” Bajpayee wrote.

“As an actor, I approach a film through the character and the story. This was about portraying a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation, not a statement about any community,” he added.