‘Why No Fact Check’: Sources Reveal What I&B Ministry Asked Netflix Amid IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Row

The meeting between Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry secretary and officials and Netflix representatives over the misrepresentation of facts in the new series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, on Tuesday lasted for over an hour, according to sources.

The use of non-Muslim codenames of the hijackers from Pakistan and glimpses of their alleged kindness have irked netizens and Bharatiya Janata Party, resulting in boycott calls for the Anubhav Sinha directorial. Taking note of the outrage, the ministry on Monday summoned Netflix representatives, asking why the show should not be taken off air and action should not be taken against them.

Sources say that Netflix assured the ministry that it would review the sensitive and objectionable parts and possibly remove them.

THE QUESTIONS ASKED

During the meeting, Netflix was presented with a series of questions, according to sources. They were:

• Why was no fact check done by the OTT platform before airing the series?
• Why was no caption or rider beamed across the series on the real names of the hijackers?
• ALSO READ | Netflix’s IC814 In #Boycott Turbulence: Kandahar Hijackers Were Bhola, Shankar Or Shahid, Shakir? What MEA Said
• Why did the negotiators look weak and incompetent in comparison to the hijackers who were shown as sensitive and human?

At the meeting, Netflix assured that it would keep the sensitivities kept in mind.

OTT CONCERNS

The larger issue is not just for the series, but for all OTT platforms, with periodic concerns over unregulated series and films. In the absence of any bill or law to censure them, many such platforms just get away. The proposal on self-regulation and self-censorship, too, does not seem to be happening, said sources.

Sources say there is an urgent need for a broadcast bill. The draft bill proposes stringent fine and severe punishment in case of violation. This was conveyed to Netflix as also a warning that in the future this would be the rule for all OTT platforms.

Meanwhile, the tussle between creative licence and responsibility continues.