Bombay HC Orders Netflix to Hold Special Screening for CBI of Indrani Mukerjea’s Docuseries

The Bombay High Court has ordered Netflix to delay the release of “The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth” and conduct a special screening for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), lawyers, and the court itself. The docuseries revolves around Indrani Mukerjea, accused in the murder case of her daughter Sheena Bora.

Court’s Order and Next Hearing

In response to concerns raised by the CBI about the potential impact on the ongoing court case, the Bombay High Court has advised Netflix to hold a special screening of the docuseries for the court, CBI officials, and legal representatives. The court has deferred the release until further notice. The bench, consisting of Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Manjush Deshpande, is scheduled to hear the case again on February 29.

CBI’s Opposition and Court’s Perspective

The CBI approached the Bombay HC seeking a stay on the release of the documentary series, expressing apprehensions about its impact on the trial. The court questioned the makers about their willingness to share the docuseries with the CBI. Initially, Netflix opposed the idea, citing concerns about pre-censorship. However, the court emphasized the rights of the prosecution and the victim and suggested a special screening to address the CBI’s concerns.

Postponement and Court’s Quip

Netflix initially resisted the idea of a special screening, arguing against pre-censorship. However, the court suggested a one-week deferment, stating, “Heavens are not going to fall.” Senior counsel Ravi Kadam, representing Netflix, assured the court that the docuseries would not be released on the streaming platform until the next hearing on February 29.

Details of the Docuseries

Directed by Shaana Levy and Uraaz Bahl, “The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth” was slated to release on Netflix on February 23. The docuseries covers the case of Indrani Mukerjea, accused of murdering her daughter Sheena Bora. Notably, the court was informed that five witnesses, including Indrani’s son Mikhail and Vidhie Mukerjea, have been interviewed for the series.

Background of the Case

Sheena Bora was allegedly strangled to death in 2012, with her body later burnt in a forest. The case came to light in 2015, leading to the arrest of Indrani Mukerjea, her driver Shyamvar Rai, and her former husband Sanjeev Khanna. The court has been informed that 89 witnesses out of 237 have been examined so far.