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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Badlapur accused Akshay Shinde shot dead: Lawyer of minor girls calls it 'killing of justice'
Mumbai (PTI): The gunning down of Badlapur case accused Akshay Shinde on Monday was the "killing of justice", said Asim Sarode, lawyer for the two minor girls he allegedly sexually assaulted.
Shinde was killed near Mumbra Bypass around 6:15pm when he allegedly snatched the gun of a policeman while he was being ferried in a police vehicle as part of a probe into a case registered on the complaint of his former wife.
After he shot and injured an API, another personnel from the escort team fired at him, and he was declared dead by doctors at a nearby hospital.
"While representing the two minor girls, I noticed it was becoming uncomfortable for the local politics of the Thane district and even for the educational institution where Akshay Shinde was working. Shinde's death in such a manner is killing of justice," Sarode told a regional news channel.
"Now, the case of sexual assault of the two minor girls will get sidelined. The case of these two minor girls was becoming difficult for the educational institute, as it is affiliated with a certain political family. Such a practice would lower the confidence of people in police and the judiciary," he claimed.
Sarode said he will be filing a plea before the Bombay High Court demanding thorough inquiry into the firing incident.
"Shinde's case could have brought up certain aspects that would have been negative politically for the government. I wonder how Shinde could access the gun and how he could unlock it when his hands were tied. This is political murder and is absolutely wrong," he said.
