BBC says UK holds rights over Moosewala documentary

Punjab : The BBC has responded in court regarding its controversial documentary on late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, stating that only the United Kingdom holds the legal authority over its content. In its reply submitted to the Indian court, the broadcaster argued that Indian laws do not apply to its productions aired from the UK.

The matter came into focus after the family of Sidhu Moosewala raised objections to the documentary, alleging that it was released without their consent and misrepresented facts related to the singer’s life and tragic death. The family had moved the court seeking a ban on the documentary in India and action against the platform airing it.

In its official response, the BBC claimed that the documentary is a journalistic work produced entirely under UK jurisdiction. It argued that since the content is hosted and aired from the UK, any challenge to it must follow UK’s legal processes, not Indian law.

The court took note of the reply and scheduled the next hearing for July 21. During the hearing, the Indian side is expected to counter BBC’s claims and press for a ban on the documentary’s online availability within India.

The issue has sparked widespread public attention, particularly among Moosewala’s fans who are divided over the documentary’s content. While some believe the film sheds light on important aspects of his life and career, others argue that it sensationalizes his murder and intrudes on the family’s privacy.

Legal experts note that this case brings up complex questions of cross-border jurisdiction in digital media. The outcome could set a precedent for future disputes involving foreign media outlets publishing content accessible in India.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has so far not issued any direct statement but is believed to be monitoring the legal proceedings closely. Sidhu Moosewala, a popular Punjabi singer and politician, was shot dead in May 2022. His death led to massive public outrage and sparked multiple investigations, some of which are still ongoing.