New Delhi: Observing that the fundamental right to speech and expression did not give anyone the licence to denigrate a citizen or a community, Supreme Court on Thursday disapproved of the title of the film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ and made it clear to the producers that it would not allow its release if the name was not changed.A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan issued notice on a PIL against the release of the film. SC said unrest and fissures already existed in society and the release would create further problems.“Why should you denigrate anybody? It’s against morality and public order… We thought filmmakers, journalists, etc, are all responsible people and are aware of exceptions and reasonable restrictions (on fundamental right of speech and expression). No section of society should be denigrated. If you use your freedom to denigrate any section of society, we can’t permit it,” the bench said.As a lawyer appearing for the producers informed the court that they were agreeable to changing the name, the bench asked them to file a response and inform it about the new title on the next date of hearing, Feb 19.SC said creative people should refrain from disturbing fraternity in society by targeting a particular section. To underscore fraternity was under strain, it referred to an incident in Uttarakhand in which a Muslim shopkeeper was being forced to remove the word “Baba” from the sign board. Earlier, a writ petition was filed in Delhi HC opposing the film starring Manoj Bajpayee and directed by Neeraj Pandey. The HC disposed of it after the producers assured the court that the name would be changed. End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBangladesh PM Hasina Calls Elections Rigged, Urges Credible Fresh Polls, Attacks Yunus‘Modi Under Trump’s Grip’: Rahul Gandhi Hits Back At Nishikant Dubey’s Motion‘Privilege Motion’ A Code Word? Rahul Gandhi Takes Dig At Media; BJP Hits BackIndus Waters Row Deepens After Pakistan’s ‘Dewatering’ Charge On New Dam, India Dismisses ClaimDonald Trump’s Old ‘Destroy Modi’s Career’ Comment Sparks Row As India Responds With Firm MessageLamborghini Brat Walks Free Within Hours Of Arrest; BJP MP Demands Rahul’s Disqualification From LSBrazil President To Visit India With 260 Firms To Boost Trade, Push Global Governance Reform AgendaFamily of Indian Student Killed by US Officer Secures Rs 260 Crore Settlement‘Amit Shah Called Me, Then Came the Raid’: Bhupesh Baghel’s Big ChargeIndia Approves Rs 3.25 Lakh Crore Rafale Fighter Jet Deal As Air Force Seeks Squadron Expansion Plan123Photostories8 baby names inspired by Bollywood’s most loved charactersParineeti Chopra says her comeback ‘better be in a saree’—and she definitely deliveredFrom ‘Aashiqui 2’ to ‘Mohabbatein’: Romantic Bollywood films to watch on OTT this Valentine’s DayFrom ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ to ‘Bandwaale’: 9 new movies and shows to watch this week on OTTHow to make classic Paneer Paratha for breakfastThe silk route: Why these 5 Indian weaves belong in every modern wardrobe8 unique dishes made with bottle gourd (lauki) for kids tiffinThese are the world’s narrowest residential buildings: Thin but iconic5 legendary species of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, and why tourists keep coming backTop 5 abandoned-ghost malls in Delhi NCR which were once shopping haven123Hot PicksBharat bandh todayGold Silver PricesBangladesh Elections 2026Bharat BandhIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingMyles GarrettErika KirkBad BunnyCatherine Polli Net WorthSeahawks Super Bowl paradeKayla NicoleAnthony JoshuaChloe KimCardi BMax Muncy
New Delhi: Observing that the fundamental right to speech and expression did not give anyone the licence to denigrate a citizen or a community, Supreme Court on Thursday disapproved of the title of the film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ and made it clear to the producers that it would not allow its release if the name was not changed.A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan issued notice on a PIL against the release of the film. SC said unrest and fissures already existed in society and the release would create further problems.“Why should you denigrate anybody? It’s against morality and public order… We thought filmmakers, journalists, etc, are all responsible people and are aware of exceptions and reasonable restrictions (on fundamental right of speech and expression). No section of society should be denigrated. If you use your freedom to denigrate any section of society, we can’t permit it,” the bench said.As a lawyer appearing for the producers informed the court that they were agreeable to changing the name, the bench asked them to file a response and inform it about the new title on the next date of hearing, Feb 19.SC said creative people should refrain from disturbing fraternity in society by targeting a particular section. To underscore fraternity was under strain, it referred to an incident in Uttarakhand in which a Muslim shopkeeper was being forced to remove the word “Baba” from the sign board. Earlier, a writ petition was filed in Delhi HC opposing the film starring Manoj Bajpayee and directed by Neeraj Pandey. The HC disposed of it after the producers assured the court that the name would be changed.
