Delhi High Court Moved Against Netflix’s ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ Over Alleged Defamation of Brahmin Community

New Delhi, February 5, 2026: A fresh legal battle has reached the doorsteps of the Delhi High Court as a writ petition seeks an immediate stay on the release of the upcoming Netflix film, Ghooskhor Pandat. The plea, filed by Acharya Mahender Chaturvedi, alleges that the movie’s title and promotional content are “per se offensive” and constitute “collective defamation” of the Brahmin community.

The controversy erupted shortly after Netflix unveiled the teaser for the film, which stars National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee as Ajay Dikshit—a corrupt police officer nicknamed “Pandat.” While the film is touted as a cop thriller exploring systemic corruption and a global conspiracy, its title has sparked a massive outcry on social media, leading to calls for a boycott and now, legal intervention.

Allegations of Community Vilification

In the petition filed through advocate Vineet Jindal, the petitioner argues that the term “Ghooskhor” (bribe-taker) paired with “Pandat” (a colloquial variation of Pandit) deliberately targets a specific religious and social identity. The plea contends that such branding maligns the reputation of the entire Brahmin community, which is traditionally associated with spiritual leadership and intellectual pursuits.

The petition states: “The title of the show is community-vilifying and socially incendiary. It associates an identifiable community with criminality and moral depravity, thereby lowering its dignity in the eyes of the public.”

The petitioner further alleges that the makers have violated Articles 14 (Equality before Law), 21 (Right to Life and Dignity), and 25 (Freedom of Religion) of the Indian Constitution. It argues that the lack of effective regulatory oversight on Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms allows for “sensationalism at the cost of communal harmony.”

Context of the Legal Challenge

This plea comes at a time when the Delhi High Court has been firm on jurisdictional boundaries regarding OTT content. Only recently, the court refused to entertain a defamation suit filed by former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede against the Netflix series The Ba*ds of Bollywood, directing him to approach the appropriate forum in Mumbai.

However, the challenge against Ghooskhor Pandat is framed more broadly as a matter of public interest and fundamental rights. Apart from seeking a stay on the release, the petitioner has urged the court to direct the Union Government to establish stricter pre-release certification norms for digital platforms, similar to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for theatrical releases.

Public Outrage and Response

Social media platforms have been flooded with criticism since the teaser’s launch on February 3, 2026. Critics have questioned whether the streaming giant would dare to use similar derogatory titles for other religious or social groups. “Normalisation of hatred against any community should not be tolerated under the guise of artistic freedom,” read one viral post on X (formerly Twitter).

As of now, Netflix and the film’s production team—including director Ritesh Shah and writer Neeraj Pandey—have not issued an official statement regarding the legal notice or the petition.

With the Delhi High Court expected to hear the matter soon, the case highlights the ongoing tension between “artistic expression” under Article 19(1)(a) and “reasonable restrictions” aimed at protecting public order and communal decency. Whether the court grants interim relief or dismisses the plea on jurisdictional grounds remains a pivotal question for India’s digital entertainment landscape.