Today, the Delhi High Court issued a stay on legal proceedings against Culver Max Entertainment, the production house responsible for managing the Sony SAB TV channel. This action comes in response to an FIR filed against them regarding the alleged use of a "casteist and derogatory" remark targeting the Dhobi community in an episode of the "Pushpa Impossible" show.

The bench of Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar has granted a stay on the legal proceedings against the production house until January 15. This decision aligns with the upcoming hearing for two related matters filed by co-accused parties.

The FIR was lodged under Section 3(1)(u) of the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, known as the SC & ST Act. This action followed the court's directives in March, prompted by a complaint regarding the use of the phrase "Do Kodi ka Dhobi" in the show.

The court has issued a notice regarding Culver Max's plea, challenging a Trial Court order that summoned the production house along with six other accused individuals, including the director, producer, writers, and actor of the show. This notice pertains to the hearing scheduled for December 2.

"Notice is to be issued. The senior counsel representing the petitioner has apprised that two related matters from the same FIR are slated for a hearing on January 15. Therefore, the proceedings against the current petitioner shall remain stayed until that date," stated Justice Bhatnagar.

Senior Advocate N Hariharan, representing Culver Max, contended that the matter did not constitute an offense. Additionally, he emphasized that Section 3(1)(u) of the SC & ST Act cannot be applied to a company, which is considered an artificial entity or a juristic person.

The court has instructed the counsel representing the Delhi Police to submit a status report and scheduled the next hearing for January 15, 2024. It's important to note that the production house had contested the order of summons issued by the Patiala House Courts in the city on October 19. The Trial Court, having found adequate evidence on record, deemed it appropriate to proceed with the case. Consequently, it acknowledged the alleged offense punishable under Section 3(1)(u) of the SC & ST Act.

Case Title: CULVER MAX ENTERTAINMENT PRIVATE LIMITED v. STATE OF NCT OF DELHI & ANR., CRL.M.C. 8742/2023