'I&B Ministry to issue guidelines for OTT platforms,' says Union Minister Prakash Javadekar amid Tandav row

By Tanmayi Savadi

on February 01, 2021 09:29:25 AM

Saif Ali Khan's recently released web series, Tandav, stirred a major controversy. Saif, actor Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub along with director Ali Abbas Zafar and producers of the show landed in hot water after politicians and a section of viewers found the content disrespectful towards Hindus and felt they were mocking Gods. Several petitions were filed and appeals were made to Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Prakash Javadekar, to take strict action.

Now, on Sunday, the Union Minister addressed the issue and said the Ministry will soon release guidelines for OTT platforms. Mr. Javadekar further told media that several complaints are being made against some web shows available on top streaming platforms. "We've received a lot of complaints against some serials available on OTT platforms. Films & serials released on OTT platforms &digital newspapers don't come under purview of Press Council Act, Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act or Censor Board. We will soon come up with some guidelines for the OTT platforms," Mr. Javadekar told.

We've received a lot of complaints against some serials available on OTT platforms. Films & serials released on OTT platforms &digital newspapers don't come under purview of Press Council Act, Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act or Censor Board: Union Min Prakash Javadekar pic.twitter.com/irMrymxfan

— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2021

Guidelines will be announced regarding their functioning soon: Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Prakash Javadekar

— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2021

The Supreme Court, last week, denied giving protection from arrest to the makers of Tandav. Zeeshan's lawyer reportedly argued that he is just an actor under contract. However, Justice MR Shah reportedly claimed, "You accepted the contract after reading the script. You cannot hurt religious sentiments." The Supreme Court has reportedly directed the team of Tandav to seek bail from High Courts. Three FIRs in Lucknow, Mumbai and Greater Noida have been filed against the political drama.

Tandav also starring Dimple Kapadia, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Kumud Mishra, Sunil Grover, Dino Morea, Gauahar Khan, Amyra Dastur, Kritika Kamra, Sarah Jane Dias, Sandhya Mridul, Annup Sonii, Hiten Ttejwani, Paresh Pahuja, Shonali Nagrani, Neha Hinge and Sukhmani Sadana, released on January 15 on Amazon Prime Video.

(Source: Twitter)