The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) has intervened in a growing controversy surrounding a proposed Netflix film/series titled Ghooskhor Pandat, directing the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to conduct an expedited inquiry into allegations that the show promotes caste-based stereotyping and could trigger social discord.
Taking suo motu cognisance of a formal complaint, the Commission issued a notice under provisions of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, asking the ministry to submit a detailed Action Taken Report within two weeks. The directive places scrutiny on the content review and compliance mechanisms of streaming platform Netflix in the Indian regulatory context.
The complaint was filed by Sanjeev Newar, founder of the social media entity Gems of Bollywood. He alleged that the proposed title, “Rishwatkhor Pandit” (also referenced in the complaint as “Ghooskhor Pandit”), which translates to “a Brahmin who is habitually corrupt and takes bribes,” is inherently discriminatory.
The complaint argued that the title derogatorily associates a specific caste group with criminal and immoral conduct, going beyond satire into what it termed public humiliation and psychological harm. It further contended that in a socially sensitive environment, such portrayals could inflame tensions, disturb public order, and amount to a violation of dignity and human rights.
BREAKING: NHRC takes cognizance of a complaint against Netflix series “Rishwatkhor Pandat,” directing the Information & Broadcasting Ministry to probe allegations of caste-based stereotyping and submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks under the Protection of Human Rights… pic.twitter.com/y1fxkelRNJ
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) February 4, 2026
An NHRC bench presided over by member Priyank Kanoongo found prima facie merit in the allegations, prompting issuance of notice to the concerned authorities.
In a post on X, Kanoongo stated: “I have received a complaint from GemsOfBollywood stating that NetflixIndia OTT platform is planning to broadcast a program titled ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’.
Such titles and programs target specific castes and communities, subjecting them to criticism and ridicule, shaming the community, and fostering animosity in society. This constitutes a form of psychological violence that threatens to disrupt public order and harm human lives. Therefore, a notice is being issued to the concerned department for necessary action.”
मेरे पास @GemsOfBollywood ने शिकायत दी है कि @NetflixIndia OTT प्लेटफॉर्म द्वारा “घूसखोर पंडित” नाम से एक कार्यक्रम प्रसारित किए जाने की योजना है ।
इस प्रकार के टाइटल और कार्यक्रम जाति और समुदाय को लक्षित कर आलोचना,उपहास से इतर समुदाय को लज्जित करते हैं और समाज में वैमनस्यता… pic.twitter.com/7bfk0xsCsM— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (@KanoongoPriyank) February 4, 2026
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is now expected to examine the allegations, seek clarifications where necessary, and report back to the Commission within the stipulated timeframe. Netflix has not yet issued a public response to the notice at the time of publication.
Source: The Mooknayak
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
