The Supreme Court today (January 21) issued notice to Amazon Prime Video, the government of India and Excel Entertainment, producer of web series Mirzapur, in a plea seeking a ban on it. A bench headed by Chief Jusitce of India S.A. Bobde heard the matter and proceeded to seek a reply from the respondents. The plea was filed by one Sujeet Kumar Singh, a resident of Mirzapur.
The plea submits that the intent of the petition is to protect the historical and cultural value of the district of Mirzapur (in Uttar Pradesh), which has allegedly been tarnished by the web series by showing vulgar and obscene scenes, nudity and abusive language with an attempt to mar the name of the city. The petition alleges that the web series shows every resident of Mirzapur “as a goon, vagabond and adulterer in front of the country”. It explains that the city is actually famous for its religious places and natural spots.
In light of the above, the petition seeks a ban on the release of the sequel, Mirzapur 2, and for directions to set up a pre-screening committee for content released online. It also seeks an inquiry to be initiated against Excel Entertainment, Amazon Prime Video as well as the actors of the web series under the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, the Cinematograph Act, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.