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Legal Battle Over Netflix Series
Former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede has filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court against Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s production house Red Chillies Entertainment and streaming giant Netflix. Wankhede claims that the web series “Ba***ds of Bollywood,” directed by Aryan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan’s son, has portrayed him and the anti-drug enforcement agencies in a false and defamatory manner, damaging his reputation.
Court Questions Jurisdiction
During the hearing, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav raised questions about the maintainability of Wankhede’s plea, specifically whether the case should be heard in Delhi. The court asked Wankhede’s lawyer to clarify if the cause of action arose in Delhi, given that the web series is accessible nationwide and not restricted to one region. Wankhede’s legal team argued that since the series is viewed in Delhi, and the alleged defamation affects him there, the case should proceed in the capital. However, the court noted the need to amend the petition to specify the cause of action within Delhi for it to be valid.
Allegations Against the Series
Wankhede has accused the series of deliberately conceptualizing a negative and misleading narrative about the Narcotics Control Bureau and himself. He contends that this portrayal undermines public confidence in law enforcement agencies. The suit highlights a controversial scene where a character makes an obscene gesture while reciting the national slogan “Satyamev Jayate,” which Wankhede says violates the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Compensation and Donations
The former NCB officer has demanded Rs 2 crore in damages, expressing that if awarded, the amount should be donated to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for cancer patients. His suit seeks a permanent injunction, a declaration, and damages against Netflix, Red Chillies Entertainment, and other associated parties including social media and technology companies.
Background of the Case
Sameer Wankhede came into the spotlight in 2021 when he led the controversial arrest of Aryan Khan in a high-profile drug case connected to the Mumbai underworld. Aryan Khan was later acquitted, and Wankhede faced accusations regarding his conduct during the investigation, which has remained a subject of public debate.
Court’s Direction and Next Steps
The Delhi High Court allowed Wankhede to amend his petition to properly establish the right jurisdiction for the case. The court did not set a fresh hearing date and stated the matter would be listed after the amended petition is filed. Meanwhile, advocates for several parties involved including Red Chillies Entertainment and Netflix are preparing to contest the suit.
