'Tandav': FIRs, legal notice, summons for 'hurting' Hindu sentiments
- IndiaGlitz, [Monday,January 18 2021]
'Tandav', the Hindi-language web series streaming on an OTT platform, continues to face problems. Amid complaints that the show insults Hindu sentiments, the Information & Broadcasting Ministry has issued summons to Amazon Prime India's representatives.
On Monday, a criminal complaint was filed in a Delhi court against the web series. The petition reportedly alleges that 'Tandav' incites communal disharmony besides hurting Hindu sentiments. Meanwhile, BJP leader Kapil Mishra has revealed that he has issued Legal Notice to the OTT platform asking it to immediately remove 'Tandav' from its platform or face criminal proceedings. An FIR against the director and producer of the web series exists in Lucknow as well.
Reacting to the developments, several commentators are saying that what is going on is an assault on Freedom of Expression. Journalist Vasudha Venugopal wrote, So after 'A Suitable Boy' on Netflix, FIR against 'Tandav' now. This is just intolerance. We will all be stuck with 'Coolie No 1' if the OTT regulation comes by. The FIR against 'A Suitable Boy' was over the depiction of a kissing scene.
However, some political leaders feel that Freedom of Expression is not absolute. Manoj Kotak, the MP of Mumbai North-East, wrote, It's high time we regulate the unscrupulous misuse of FoE on digital platforms. Honouring the prevailing public sentiments, on the content of OTT platforms specifically for Tandav, I spoke to the authorities of I&B ministry today again. They have assured a quick and decisive action.