Key Points

Former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede has taken legal action against major entertainment players. He alleges that a new show on Netflix defames him and damages the reputation of law enforcement. The lawsuit specifically targets the production company owned by Shah Rukh Khan and his wife. The case is now pending before the Delhi High Court for a hearing.

Key Points: Sameer Wankhede Sues Netflix Shah Rukh Khan Over Aryan Khan Show

  • Wankhede claims the show deliberately maligns him while his Aryan Khan case is ongoing
  • The suit alleges the content erodes public confidence in drug enforcement agencies
  • A scene showing an obscene gesture after 'Satyamev Jayate' is cited as a legal violation
  • He seeks Rs 2 crore in damages to be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital
2 min read

Former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede moves Delhi HC against Netflix, Red Chillies, claims 'Ba***ds of Bollywood' is defamatory

Former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede files Rs 2 crore defamation suit against Netflix and Red Chillies, claiming 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood' maligns his reputation.

"This series disseminates a misleading and negative portrayal of anti-drug enforcement agencies - Sameer Wankhede"

New Delhi, September 25

Former Mumbai zonal director at Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Sameer Wankhede has filed a defamation suit before the Delhi High Court against Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd., the production house owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and his wife, Gauri Khan.

In his suit, Wankhede has sought relief in the nature of a permanent and mandatory injunction, declaration, and damages against the production house, Netflix and others, adding that he has been aggrieved by a false, malicious, and defamatory video in Aryan Khan's directorial debut show, 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood'.

"This series disseminates a misleading and negative portrayal of anti-drug enforcement agencies, thereby eroding public confidence in law enforcement institutions," he claimed in his plea.

He also claimed that the series has been deliberately conceptualised and executed with the intent to malign Sameer Wankhede's reputation in a colourable and prejudicial manner, particularly when proceedings involving him and Aryan Khan remain pending before the Bombay High Court and the NDPS Special Court, Mumbai.

He contended that the portrayal unfairly targets him at a time when the judicial scrutiny is ongoing.

Referring to a particular sequence in the show that featured a character making an obscene gesture after reciting 'Satyamev Jayate', the suit asserted that the act constitutes a grave and sensitive violation of the provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which attracts penal consequences under the law.

In addition, the content of the series is in contravention of various provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as it seeks to outrage national sentiment through the use of obscene and offensive material.

In his lawsuit, Sameer Wankhede has sought damages of Rs 2 crore to be donated to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for the treatment of cancer patients.

The suit also seeks the court's direction to restrain the streaming and distribution of the show, along with a declaration of its defamatory nature. Wankhede has maintained that, beyond harming his personal reputation, the content undermines faith in institutions responsible for enforcing drug laws.

The Delhi High Court is expected to hear the matter soon.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The timing is indeed suspicious. When court cases are pending, creating such content feels like trial by media. Freedom of expression shouldn't mean character assassination. Hope the court gives a fair hearing.
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Michael C
As an outsider watching this case, it seems like both sides have valid points. But using national symbols disrespectfully in any entertainment content is definitely crossing a line. That part needs serious attention.
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Ananya R
While I understand the concern about reputation, isn't this just creative expression? Many shows worldwide portray law enforcement critically. The Rs 2 crore donation to cancer hospital is a nice gesture though. 🤔
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Sarah B
The whole Aryan Khan case was so controversial. Now this show adds another layer to the drama. Honestly, both Bollywood and law enforcement need to be more responsible in how they handle such sensitive matters.
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I think Wankhede is overreacting. If the show is fiction, it should be treated as such. Our courts have better things to do than settle creative differences. Let the audience decide what's credible.
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Kavya N
The Satyamev Jayate gesture issue is serious yaar. National symbols deserve respect. But I hope this doesn't become another tool to suppress creative freedom. Balance is important. 🇮🇳

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