NCPCR Asks IB Ministry For Removal Of "Inappropriate" Scenes From Bombay Begums

Bombay Begums NCPCR Row: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) asked for the removal of scenes from Bombay Begums. Allegedly several scenes from the series Bombay Begums portray children in an "inappropriate manner".

The NCPCR asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to order Netflix for the removal of scenes from Bombay Begums that allegedly portray children inappropriately. The letter was addressed to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s Joint Secretary Vikram Sahay. It claimed that Bombay Begums violated the prevailing law of the land and guidelines, and the fact that it’s continuing the same will affect children’s interest.

The NCPCR stated that considering the “seriousness” of the issue, it recommended that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issue directions to Netflix to ensure that the scenes are removed immediately and the appropriate measures are taken. The letter was addressed to the Ministry as it is the regulatory authority of OTT platforms under the new platforms.

In the letter by NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Kanoongo stated that “You are further requested to furnish an ATR (action-taken report) in this regard within seven days of issue of this letter, failing which the commission will be constrained to initiate proceedings under Section 14 of CPCR Act , 2005.”

The NCPCR had also asked Netflix to stop streaming Bombay Begums till it came to a decision regarding the removal of scenes and held a meeting with officials of Netflix.

Bombay Begums is a series on Netflix starring Pooja Bhatt as Rani. The series revolves around the lives of five women, including Rani and how they are interconnected. It follows Rani’s dynamics and relationships with the four other women. The series explores the wants of the five women who come from varying backgrounds and socio-economic standings. The series also stars Shahana Goswami, Amruta Subhash, Plabita Borthakur, and Aadhya Anand.