Amidst the controversy over Manoj Bajpayee’s ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’, producer Neeraj Paden has now given his statement in front of the Supreme Court. Neeraj Pandey told the Supreme Court that the new title of the film has not been decided yet. He told that we have withdrawn the title and publicity material of ‘Ghushkhor Pandit’. After this, the Supreme Court took on record the affidavit filed by Neeraj Pandey regarding withdrawal of the title of ‘Ghushkhor Pandit’ and disposed of the petition filed against the film.
The film does not insult the religious sentiments of any religion, community or citizen.
Filing his affidavit in the apex court, Neeraj Pandey said that the film does not insult or target any religion or community. Refuting the allegations of hurting religious sentiments, he said, “I clearly say that neither I nor my production house had any deliberate or malicious intention to hurt the religious sentiments of any citizen of India.” The film does not insult any religion, community or religious beliefs in any medium.
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Promotional material has already been returned
Controversy arose regarding the title of the film only after its teaser was released. Regarding the promotional material, the producer said in the affidavit that after considering the concerns received from the public, the promotional material related to the film was withdrawn on February 6 itself. It also told the court that the disputed title will no longer be used. Any new title decided will not be the same or similar to the earlier title. The affidavit clarifies that the film is a fictional police drama, which revolves around a criminal investigation. It does not show any caste, religion, community or sect as corrupt.
The court had reprimanded the makers
- The affidavit comes after the Supreme Court on February 12 came down heavily on the film makers over the title ‘Ghushkhor Pandit’.
- The Supreme Court had said that freedom of expression cannot be used as a license to defame any section of the society.
- A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjwal Bhuyan had issued notice to the Central government, CBFC and the film producer saying that the film will not be allowed to be released without changing the title.
This was said in the petition
The petition regarding the film was filed by Atul Mishra, National Organization Secretary of Brahmin Samaj of India, through advocate Dr. Vinod Kumar Tiwari. This PIL alleged that the title and story of the film promote caste and religion-based stereotypes. They also hurt the dignity and religious sentiments of the Brahmin community.
