Why does SC reprimand TV Czarina Ekta Kapoor?

New Delhi: TV Czarina Ekta Kapoor has landed in legal trouble after Supreme Court came down on her for her “erotic web series” released two years ago on her OTT platform ALTBalaji with the top court saying she was “polluting young generation.”

The court made the observation after senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Kapoor, submitted that a petition has been filed before the Patna high court but there is no hope the matter will be listed for hearing soon, reported news agency PTI.

The Context

Even as the OTT platforms are booming in the television industry, the apex court raised concern over increasing objectionable contents being aired through the open platforms. It is observed that the public is easily influenced by the content on these platforms with the film producer known to have the power to create content that is capable of molding the minds of young citizens. But she has been receiving flak for her produced series for the past two years and the new development is crucial. A trial court in Bihar’s Begusarai had issued the warrant on a 2020 complaint lodged by Shambhu Kumar, an ex-serviceman, who alleged that XXX (season-2) featured several objectionable scenes in connection with the soldier’s wife.

Top court assails

“Something has to be done. You are polluting the minds of the young generation of this country. OTT content is available to all. What kind of choice are you providing to the people? On the contrary, you are polluting the minds of youngsters,” a bench of Justices Ajay Rastogi and C.T. Ravikumar said. She was further warned by the top court against regularly approaching the bench by filing such petitions. The bench added that the OTT (Over the Top) content was available to all and questioned her counsel as to “what kind of choice are you providing to the people?” She was reported to have filed a plea to challenge an arrest warrant issued against her for using offensive content against Indian soldiers and hurting the sentiments of their families. The web series aired on her OTT platform ALTBalaji in 2020.

Complaint

The arrest warrant against Kapoor was issued after an ex-serviceman named Shambhu Kumar lodged a complaint claiming Kapoor’s OTT series. It was alleged that the show featured objectionable scenes featuring a soldier’s wife. Then, a petition was submitted to Patna High Court by Mukul Rohatgi, a senior advocate representing Kapoor. Rohatgi claimed the content was subscription-based and the public had the freedom to choose.

Warning

The top court warned Ekta Kapoor against filing such petitions in future, stating she would be penalized for any such attempt in future. The daughter of yesteryears star Jeetendra, Ekta has been the recipient of many accolades in the past. Undoubtedly, the film and soap opera producer who was adjudged one of Asia’s Most Powerful Communicators by Asia Week magazine in 2001 is currently facing a sticky situation.

—-INDIA NEWS STREAM