Ekta Kapoor, facing a case under POCSO Act over web series ‘Gandi Baat’, offers clarification

Ekta Kapoor and her mother, Shobha Kapoor, have discussed the controversy surrounding the case registered against them under the POCSO Act. The allegations relate to inappropriate scenes involving minors in the ALT Balaji web series ‘Gandi Baat’. In response, ALT Balaji issued a statement clarifying the involvement of the two producers and denying any violation of the law.

According to the statement, both Ekta and Shobha Kapoor are not involved in the day-to-day operations of the platform. The management of ALT Balaji, including the content strategy, is handled by separate teams. The company emphasized that it operates in full compliance with the law, including the POCSO Act, and dismissed the claims of portraying minors as false. ALT Balaji also expressed confidence in the justice system and reaffirmed his full cooperation in the ongoing investigation.

“It is further clarified that Ms. Shobha Kapoor and Ms. Ektaa R Kapoor are not involved in the day-to-day operations of the company and these are managed by separate teams, including content strategy. The company has full confidence in the judiciary and is cooperating fully with the investigation. The company is refraining from providing detailed comments as the matter is before the courts.

The controversy started when the Mumbai Police registered a case against the Kapoors and ALT Balaji, following a complaint alleging that the sixth season of ‘Gandi Baat’, aired between February and April 2021, contained objectionable scenes involving minors. Notably, the controversial episode is no longer available on the platform. The complaint was reportedly filed by a school teacher, triggering an FIR under the POCSO Act against the streaming service and its producers.

Ekta and Shobha Kapoor have been summoned by the Mumbai Police for questioning and have been asked to appear again on October 24. During interrogation, police asked for detailed information about the actors involved in the series and plan to record statements from the cast and director. In addition, the Kapoors have been directed to submit specific documents related to ALT Balaji’s operations.

This legal matter comes at a busy time for Ekta Kapoor, who recently released her film Love, sex with Dhokha 2 (LSD 2) on April 19. Directed by Dibakar Banerjee, the film explores themes of intimacy and technological disconnect, and holds up a mirror to the complexities of a digitally driven world. (With TOI entries)