Delhi High Court Issues Notice to Red Chillies, Netflix in Wankhede Defamation Case
The Delhi High Court has summoned Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd, Netflix, and other respondents in a defamation lawsuit filed by former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Mumbai Zonal Director, and IRS officer, Sameer Wankhede. The case centers on the Netflix series The Ba**ds of Bollywood, which Wankhede alleges has defamed him and eroded public trust in law enforcement agencies.
What the Plea Seeks
Wankhede’s petition requests multiple remedies, including a permanent and mandatory injunction to restrain the streaming and distribution of the series, a declaration on its defamatory nature, and damages of Rs 2 crore. He has also asked that the damages be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for patient care. The court has instructed the respondents to file their replies within seven days and directed Wankhede to provide copies of the petition to the parties.
Parties Named and Allegations
The suit names Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd, associated with Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan, along with Netflix and others involved with the production and distribution of the show. Wankhede argues that the series disseminates a misleading and negative portrayal of anti-drug enforcement agencies, aiming to undermine public confidence in law enforcement institutions. He contends that the series was “deliberately conceptualised and executed” to malign his reputation in a colourable and prejudicial manner.
Legal Contentions
Beyond defamation, Wankhede points to alleged violations of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, arguing that certain scenes attempt to “outrage national sentiment.” A controversial moment in the show—where a character makes an obscene gesture after citing Satyamev Jayate—has been singled out as a grave and sensitive violation of the National Honour framework. The petition also references the ongoing legal matters against Wankhede and Aryan Khan in the Bombay High Court and in the NDPS Special Court in Mumbai, positioning the series within a broader dispute involving drug law enforcement narratives.
Context and Timing
The defamation bid arrives amid ongoing legal proceedings involving Aryan Khan and allegations against Wankhede. In May 2023, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case accusing Wankhede of attempting to extort Rs 25 crore from Shah Rukh Khan during the 2021 cruise ship drugs probe. Wankhede has denied the allegations and cited text messages with Shah Rukh Khan to bolster his claims of political motive behind attacks against him.
Next Steps
The Delhi High Court has listed the matter for further hearing on October 30. The court’s interim orders, if any, will influence the platform’s ability to stream or monetize the series in the interim period. The case underscores the growing tension between entertainment media and public officials when real-world investigations intersect with popular culture.
Implications for Free Speech and Public Trust
Proponents of the show argue for creative freedom and the right to publish controversial content. Critics, however, say defaming a public officer can undermine trust in law enforcement. This case highlights the delicate balance courts must strike between protecting reputations and preserving the right to storytelling in a crowded streaming landscape.
About the Case
The petition and summons mark a significant development in the ongoing debate over how public figures are portrayed in dramatic representations and how such portrayals can be challenged through civil defamation suits. As the legal process unfolds, stakeholders across entertainment, media, and policing will watch closely for how the Delhi High Court navigates issues of reputation, freedom of expression, and national sentiment in the digital era.
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