Delhi High Court Challenges Sameer Wankhede’s Defamation Case Against Netflix and Red Chillies
The Delhi High Court has raised questions regarding the defamation lawsuit filed by former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) zonal director Sameer Wankhede against Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment and Netflix. Wankhede is seeking a permanent injunction and damages, claiming he has been portrayed in a “false, malicious and defamatory” manner in the web series “The Ba***ds of Bollywood.” The court has directed him to clarify the jurisdiction of his plea, which could impact the case’s admissibility.
Jurisdictional Concerns Raised
During the proceedings, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav emphasized the importance of jurisdiction in determining the maintainability of Wankhede’s defamation claim. The court questioned how the case could be pursued in Delhi, given that the alleged defamatory content is available for streaming online. Wankhede’s counsel, senior advocate Sandeep Sethi, argued that the series had been viewed by audiences in Delhi, thereby affecting Wankhede’s reputation in the city. However, the court instructed Wankhede to amend his plea to provide a clearer demonstration of how the cause of action arose in the national capital.
Claims of Malicious Intent
Wankhede, who gained national attention for his role in the Aryan Khan drugs-on-cruise case, is seeking Rs. 2 crore in damages. Notably, he has requested that any awarded amount be donated to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for cancer treatment. His plea alleges that the web series was intentionally crafted to tarnish his reputation, especially considering ongoing legal proceedings related to the Aryan Khan case in Mumbai. The timing of the series’ release is also highlighted as prejudicial to Wankhede’s standing.
Legal Violations Alleged
The defamation claim includes serious allegations regarding the content of the web series. Wankhede’s petition points out a scene where a character makes an obscene gesture while uttering “Satyamev Jayate,” a phrase associated with India’s National Emblem. This act is described as a “grave violation” of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which could lead to penal consequences. Furthermore, the petition asserts that the series violates the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita by promoting offensive and obscene content that not only damages Wankhede’s reputation but also outrages national sentiment.
Next Steps in the Legal Battle
As the Delhi High Court has instructed Sameer Wankhede to bolster the jurisdictional basis of his defamation plea, the next hearing will be crucial in determining whether the lawsuit can proceed in Delhi. The ongoing controversy surrounding “The Ba***ds of Bollywood” continues to attract attention, placing both Netflix and Red Chillies Entertainment under legal scrutiny. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the portrayal of public figures in media and the responsibilities of streaming platforms.
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