Lawsuit Filed Against Netflix Over Indian Series Controversy

A lawsuit has been filed against Netflix Inc. and the producers of an Indian series depicting the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, demanding the removal of four episodes. The series, titled IC-814: The Kidnapping of Kandahar, has faced backlash since its release last month.

Controversy and Criticism

The series has been criticized for allegedly misrepresenting the hijackers by portraying them with Hindu names, despite their actual identities being Muslim. This criticism has come from social media users and members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Netflix’s Response

In response to the backlash and a subpoena from India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Netflix added a disclaimer to the six-part series. The disclaimer clarifies that the names used in the series are based on those involved in the real-life incident.

Trademark Dispute

Siddhant Kumar, an advisor for ANI, reported that the series used ANI’s archival material and trademark without permission. Kumar expressed concerns about the series harming ANI’s brand reputation and confirmed that ANI is seeking the removal of four episodes containing their content.

Permission and Footage

Kumar stated that while the series’ producers had approached ANI for permission to use footage in 2021, no official agreement was reached. A lawyer for the series’ producers countered that the footage was purchased from two different companies for over $1 million.

Legal Proceedings

The Delhi High Court has agreed to hear the case and has sought a response from Netflix.

India blames Pakistan and Pakistani militant groups for the hijacking, which concluded with New Delhi releasing three Islamist militants, including Masood Azhar, one of the group’s leaders.