Troubles Mount for 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' as PIL Filed in Delhi High Court Seeking Ban

The web series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, which has been embroiled in controversies since its release, now faces legal challenges. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Delhi High Court on Monday, September 2, demanding a ban on the series. The petition alleges that the show distorts the true identity of the hijackers involved in the 1999 IC 814 hijacking, leading to significant backlash from the Hindu community.

Also Read: I&B Ministry Summons Netflix India Content Head Over 'IC 814 - The Kandahar Hijack' Web Series Controversy

Petition Details and Allegations

The PIL, filed by Hindu Sena president and farmer Surjeet Singh Yadav, argues that the web series misrepresents historical facts by altering the names of the hijackers to 'Bhola' and 'Shankar,' which are traditionally Hindu names. According to the petition, this misrepresentation has hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community and has led to widespread misinformation. Yadav's petition requests that the Central Government and the Maharashtra Government cancel the certificate issued by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and ban the series altogether. The petition stresses that the distortion of facts in the series not only misleads viewers but also tarnishes the historical record of the 1999 hijacking.

Clarification on the Hijackers' Names

However, there is a twist in the controversy. According to an official statement from the Union Home Minister dated January 6, 2000, the hijackers were indeed referred to by nicknames such as Doctor, Burger, Bhola, and Shankar. This official documentation suggests that the controversy over the name changes in the series may be unfounded. Film critic and YouTuber Anmol Jammwal, from Tried and Refused Productions, shared the statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account, describing the controversy as unfortunate.

This narrative that Anubhav Sinha was trying to hide the religious identity of the terrorists is false as they are literally talking about Islam and what it means to be a Muslim throughout the series. The code name utilised to hide their identity is factual and in no way is an… pic.twitter.com/MnB2jnd5ok

— ANMOL JAMWAL (@jammypants4) September 2, 2024

Government Action Against Netflix India

In response to the growing controversy, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has summoned the content head of Netflix India for clarification on the series' content. The central government appears to be taking the issue seriously, seeking explanations about the alleged distortions in the web series.

About IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack

IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, directed by Anubhav Sinha, was released on Netflix on August 29. The series features a stellar cast including Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Manoj Pahwa, Dia Mirza, Patralekha, and Arvind Swami. Also Read: Actor Aashiesh Sharrma mourns the loss of his dog Carbon; shares touching post on Instagram