The Delhi High Court on Friday raised serious concerns while hearing a defamation suit filed by IRS officer and former NCB Mumbai zonal director Sameer Wankhede against Netflix, Red Chillies Entertainment, and others over the series Ba*ds of Bollywood.
Appearing before Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, Wankhede’s counsel argued that since the series was available to audiences across India, including Delhi, and since memes targeting him circulated in the Capital, jurisdiction was established.
The Court, however, was not convinced. Justice Kaurav observed that the plaint was “not maintainable” and noted that Wankhede’s filing failed to properly set out how the case could lie in Delhi. He highlighted shortcomings under Section 9 of the Code of Civil Procedure, particularly in paragraphs 37 and 38 of the plaint.
Though Wankhede sought time to amend the plaint, the Court declined to fix a date, leaving the matter for the Registry to decide.
Wankhede has demanded a permanent injunction, damages of Rs 2 crore, and the removal of the series, which he claims is false and defamatory. He further alleges that the show misrepresents anti-drug enforcement agencies, eroding public trust.
The plea also points to a controversial scene where a character recites “Satyamev Jayate” before making an obscene gesture, which Wankhede argues violates the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.
While the case highlights the tension between creative freedom and reputational harm, the Court’s response suggests Wankhede’s legal strategy may face an uphill battle.
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