Overview

• In February, the Bandra magistrate directed Khar police to probe a 2020 complaint under Section 202 of the Criminal Procedure Code into an Alt Balaji web series scene that allegedly disrespected the Indian Army.
• Police missed the May 9 deadline to submit their inquiry report, prompting the court’s show-cause notice issued on July 4.
• The original complaint was filed by YouTuber Vikas Pathak, also known as Hindustani Bhau, and named Ekta Kapoor, her OTT platform Alt Balaji, and her parents over a scene depicting a military officer in an illicit sexual act while wearing the national emblem.
• The court has ordered the police to reply to the notice and deliver their full report by July 28 or face further legal consequences.
• Legal experts say the case underscores heightened judicial oversight of police compliance and intensifying scrutiny of OTT content involving national symbols.