Mumbai Police questioned renowned filmmaker Ekta Kapoor and her mother, Shobha Kapoor, on Tuesday regarding a case filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). The case pertains to allegations of inappropriate scenes involving minor girls shown in an episode of web series ‘Gandii Baat’ on ALT Balaji OTT platform.
According to a statement from the Mumbai Police, the case was registered against Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, and their company ALT Balaji under the POCSO Act, accusing them of depicting objectionable content in one of the episodes. The show has courted controversy for its adult themes, and this latest legal issue has added to its notoriety.
Allegations Against the Kapoors
The case primarily focuses on the sixth season of the web series, which streamed on the ALT Balaji OTT platform between February 2021 and April 2021. As per the complaint, the content of the episode involved inappropriate depictions of minor girls, which violates sections of both the POCSO Act and the IT Act. The Mumbai Police have invoked Section 295-A of the IPC and sections 13 and 15 of the POCSO Act.
In an official statement, the Mumbai Police have requested Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor to return for further questioning on October 24.
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The episode in question has since been taken down from the streaming platform. However, the case remains under investigation.
Legal Implications for Balaji Telefilms
Ekta Kapoor’s production company, Balaji Telefilms Limited, faces potential legal repercussions if found guilty under the stringent provisions of the POCSO Act, which criminalizes any content that exploits or endangers the dignity of minors. The inclusion of minors in explicit or inappropriate scenes is particularly sensitive under Indian law.
The ‘Gandii Baat’ Series and Its Controversies
‘Gandii Baat’, an adult-themed web series on ALT Balaji, has been known for its explicit content since its debut. The series, described on IMDb as “scintillating stories of murder mysteries and erotic thrillers,” has consistently faced criticism for pushing boundaries. While the show has attracted a certain audience, it has also drawn backlash due to its provocative themes, including sexual content and mature narratives.
The current legal issue stems from an episode of season six, which allegedly involved inappropriate content relating to minors. ALT Balaji has released six seasons of the series so far, with varying degrees of success and controversy.
Ekta Kapoor’s Recent Projects
Despite the ongoing legal troubles, Ekta Kapoor remains a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry. Her recent release, ‘Love, Sex aur Dhokha 2 (LSD 2)’, hit theatres in April 2024. The film, directed by Dibakar Banerjee, explores the dark side of society’s digital obsession, presenting intimate relationships and technological alienation in tandem.
