A sigh of relief for the makers and the fans of the popular Web Series Mirzapur that streams on Amazon Prime Video, as the Supreme Court has dismissed the case that wanted a ban on the 3rd season of the series. The court stated that there can’t be a pre-screening committee for web series, films, or other programs that directly release on OTT platforms.
A bench headed by Chief Justice UU Lalit stated that pre-censorship of the web series is impermissible. “How can there be a pre-screening committee for web series? There is particular legislation. Unless you say OTT is also a part of it..you must say that existing legislation must apply to OTT. Various questions will arise because transmission occurs from other countries”, the bench said.
What the matter was?
The Supreme Court was hearing a case filed by Mirzapur resident Sujeet Kumar Singh for setting up a pre-screening committee for web series, films, or other programs which are directly released on Online platforms. The court refused to put a stay on the 3rd season of the series, which is currently under production.
Earlier notices were issued by the Supreme Court to the makers as well as the producers of Mirzapur and Amazon Prime Video, in reference to a petition that complained about the portrayal of Mirzapur in a bad light in the series.
The PIL that was filed claimed that the makers have shown Mirzapur as a city of goons and adulteresses thus tarnishing the image of Uttar Pradesh. The series was also called out for having terror, crime, and other illegal activities. It was accused of damaging the historical and cultural image of the city as there was loads of nudity, vulgarity, harassment, and abusive language.
The one who filed the petition demanded that the GOI set up a screening committee for web series, and films which release on OTT. “Ministry of I&B to make certificate mandatory from a government authority before releasing any web series movies or program. The government of India should set up rules and regulations for series, movies, and other programs which are released on web platforms and must be censored like other movies before their release in theatres,” the plea added.
About the series
Akhandanand Tripathi made millions exporting carpets and become the mafia boss of Mirzapur. His son Munna, is an unworthy, power-hungry heir, who stops at nothing to continue his father’s legacy. The series currently has 2 seasons that contain 19 episodes and is streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The 3rd season has already been confirmed by Amazon Prime and is in the production phase.
