Change made in subtitle of 'Sacred Games', Netflix tells HC
New Delhi, July 19: Netflix company on Thursday informed the Delhi High Court that a change had been incorporated in the English subtitle in the "Sacred Games" web series to remedy an alleged insult to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
'Sacred Games' contains a scene in the fourth episode in which lead actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is seen abusing Rajiv Gandhi and calling him 'fattu' (p*** as translated in the subtitle of the show).
"Now, we are using word 'whim' as the English translation of Hindi word 'fattu'," the over-the-top media services provider's counsel told a bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Chander Shekhar.
As to the bench's query about the meaning of 'fattu', the counsel said it means 'coward'.
The court questioned whether they have correctly translated the word in the subtitle and asked Netflix to examine such parts in the web series.
However, the court said that it did not want to curtail the freedom of speech and expression.
"Criticism or even expression of dissatisfaction is permissible. I do not think anyone can have objection to it," the bench said.
The court remarked that the freedom of speech is on a higher pedestal even when someone is criticising people associated with politics, adding that it is the viewer's choice what they want to see.
The court reiterated its queries as to whether the plea could be entertained as a Public Interest Litigation and asked the petitioner to satisfy how the court could intervene.
The PIL -- filed by lawyer Nikhil Bhalla through advocate Shashank Garg -- sought the removal of two contents that according to him "tarnished" the image of the former Prime Minister.
The lawyer claimed that the series incorrectly depicted historical events such as Bofors scandal, Shah Bano case, Babri Masjid demolition and communal riots.
During the course of hearing, the lawyer apprised the court that Rajiv Gandhi's son and Congress President Rahul Gandhi had not raised any objection to the series and supported freedom of speech.
However, the court warned Netflix not to take it for granted and remain careful while broadcasting any series.
The court listed the matter for August 6.
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Gehlot changes profile pic to 'Save Aravalli', asks Centre to reconsider definition
Jaipur (PTI): Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Thursday urged the Centre to reconsider its definition of the Aravallis, warning that any damage to the mountain range posed a serious threat to the ecological future of north India.
Gehlot, a former Rajasthan chief minister, changed his social media profile picture in support of the nationwide 'SaveAravalli' campaign amid growing debate over mining and environmental safeguards in the Aravalli Range.
It was his symbolic protest against the new interpretation under which hills lower than 100 metres are no longer being recognised as part of the Aravalli system, he said.
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"The Aravalli cannot be judged by tape measures or height alone. It must be assessed by its ecological importance," Gehlot said, adding that the revised definition raised "a big question" over the future of north India.
Appealing to the Centre and the Supreme Court, Gehlot said the issue must be reconsidered in the interest of future generations and environmental security. He also urged citizens to participate in the campaign by changing their display pictures online to draw attention to the issue.
He said the Aravalli range functioned as a natural green wall against the expansion of the Thar desert and extreme heatwaves, protecting Delhi, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh. Opening up smaller hills and so-called gap areas for mining would allow desertification to advance rapidly, he warned.
Gehlot also flagged concerns over air pollution, saying the hills and forests of the Aravallis acted as the "lungs" of the National Capital Region by checking dust storms and absorbing pollutants.
"When pollution levels are so alarming even with the Aravalli standing, one can imagine how disastrous the situation will be without it," he said.
Highlighting the water crisis, the former chief minister said the rocky terrain of the Aravallis played a crucial role in groundwater recharge by channelising rainwater underground.
"If the hills are destroyed, drinking water shortages will intensify, wildlife will disappear and the entire ecology will be pushed into danger," he said.
Gehlot argued that, from a scientific perspective, the Aravallis was a continuous chain and that even smaller hillocks were as vital as higher peaks.
