Sometimes, good art creates controversies, true narratives create controversies, and recently Netflix is at the receiving end of such actions, making the platform a bit more credible. And this time, the story revolves around Netflix’s creation: The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth.
So, what’s the deal?
A couple of months back, Netflix made it public that they were making a documentary on Indrani Mukerjea, and keeping the contemporary situation in mind, it was a big deal.
However legal complications started to haunt them as CBI decided to take legal action against Netflix and hold the release of the documentary. But in recent sets of events, the tables turned, and Netflix got the upper hand.
Special CBI Judge SP Naik-Nimbalkar, in a comprehensive ruling, highlighted that existing Information Technology rules offer grievance redressal mechanisms that the agency overlooked. The court, lacking jurisdiction, emphasized the need for utilizing these platforms, citing the 2021 IT Guidelines which outline structured access control and grievance resolution.
Nandode contended that releasing the docu-series before examining 164 witnesses would bias the case, asserting the trial court’s inherent authority to intervene.
However, the judge challenged Nandode to cite the legal provision for halting streaming. Netflix’s counsel, Aabad Ponda, cited case laws affirming only the High Court and Supreme Court possess inherent powers.
Ranjeet Sangle, representing Indrani Mukerjea, invoked privacy and broadcast rights upheld by the Supreme Court.
The judge noted conditions set upon Mukerjea’s bail, the prime suspect for the murder of Sheena Bora but found no breach alleged by the CBI. Concluding, the court directed the CBI to utilize IT rules for grievances regarding online documentary streaming.
A similar type of case was faced by Netflix during the release of Griselda as the family of Griselda Blanco wanted to delay the release or scrap the series but was unsuccessful.
Eventually, cases like these help to build up the reputation of the platform, and as Netflix is determined to improve their documentary game, their recent growth is definitely a symbol they can easily flaunt such cases and use it as a bargaining chip to establish their truthfulness of narrative.
And if you are waiting for the documentary, it will be streaming on Netflix from February 23rd, 2024.