The Delhi High Court issued summons in a defamation lawsuit filed by former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede against streaming platform Netflix and Shah Rukh Khan’s production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, over his portrayal in the series The B*ds of Bollywood, directed by Aryan Khan.
Wankhede’s lawyer informed the court that an application had been filed to amend the suit, asserting that the court holds territorial jurisdiction in Delhi. Referring to the amended plaint, the lawyer stated, “In reference to the series, there are posts trolling me, my wife, and my sister. It’s shocking. The defendants are surely not defending those posts.”
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, presiding over the case, responded, “We appreciate that there is cause in your favour to approach this court, but there is a process to be followed.” The court scheduled the hearing for the interim injunction application in the case for October 30.
On September 26, during an earlier hearing, the High Court had directed Wankhede to amend his defamation plea, deeming it “not maintainable in Delhi.” Justice Kaurav remarked at the time, “I am rejecting your plaint. Had your case been that you have been defamed at various places, including in Delhi, and the maximum damage has occurred in Delhi, we would still have considered the matter here in Delhi.”
In his lawsuit, Wankhede alleges that the Netflix series has damaged his reputation. He is seeking Rs 2 crore in damages, which he intends to donate to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital to support cancer patients.
Additionally, Wankhede’s plea objects to a specific scene in the series where a character is depicted raising the middle finger immediately after reciting the national slogan “Satyamev Jayate.” He argues that this act violates the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and is punishable under Indian law.
Also Read: Sameer Wankhede sues 'Ba***ds of Bollywood' for defamation
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