India's Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition seeking to ban or change the title of the upcoming film "Yadav Ji Ki Love Story". The court ruled that the film's title does not portray the Yadav community in a negative light. Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan formed the bench that heard the plea on February 25, 2026. The film is now scheduled for a nationwide release on Friday, February 27, 2026.[tmv+1]
Court Sees No Negative Portrayal
The Supreme Court found no derogatory adjectives or words in the film's title that could negatively affect the Yadav community. Justice Nagarathna stated that the court failed to understand how the title could reflect the community in a bad light. She added that the apprehensions raised by the petitioners were "wholly unfounded".The bench observed that the title lacked any expression carrying a negative connotation against the community.[livelaw+2]
The petition, filed by the chief of the Vishwa Yadav Parishad, argued the title created an offensive stereotype.It claimed equating "Yadav" with "Love Story" implied illegal and illicit relations, representing moral turpitude.However, the court concluded that the film's name in no way portrayed the Yadav community negatively.[timesofindia+4]
'Ghooskhor Pandat' Case Differs
The Supreme Court distinguished this case from its earlier ruling on the film "Ghooskhor Pandat". In that instance, the court had directed a title change.The word "ghooskhor" means corrupt, which attached a clear negative attribute to a community.In contrast, the bench held that "Yadav Ji Ki Love Story" did not associate the Yadav community with any adverse or defamatory characteristics.[timesofindia+4]
The court also ruled that none of the reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) of the Constitution were attracted in this case.Article 19(2) allows for limitations on freedom of speech and expression. The judges maintained that a film's title cannot be considered unconstitutional simply out of fear it might tarnish a community's image.[livelaw+2]
Petitioner's Concerns and Film Details
The Vishwa Yadav Parishad chief, represented by Advocate-on-Record Aftab Ali Khan, sought a ban or title change for the film.The petitioner alleged the film's storyline, which reportedly involves a Hindu girl marrying a Muslim boy, and the depiction of the female lead, were objectionable.They argued that the narrative could disrupt social harmony and negatively impact the community's social standing.[livelaw+5]
Despite these arguments, the Supreme Court remained unconvinced. The bench categorized "Yadav Ji Ki Love Story" as a work of fiction.This classification meant there was no legal basis for judicial intervention on the grounds presented.[tmv+2]
The film, "Yadav Ji Ki Love Story," is directed by Ankit Bhadana and produced by Sandeep Tomar.It stars Pragati Tiwari and Vishal Mohan in the lead roles.With the Supreme Court's dismissal of the plea, the film is set to proceed with its scheduled release.[tmv+4]
The Supreme Court's decision affirms that a mere community name in a film title, without any explicit derogatory qualifier, does not constitute defamation. This ruling clears the path for "Yadav Ji Ki Love Story" to be released as planned.[lawbeat]
