New Delhi, October 8, 2025 – The Delhi High Court has issued notices to actor Shah Rukh Khan, his production company Red Chillies Entertainment, Netflix, and several other digital platforms in response to a defamation suit filed by IRS officer and former NCB Mumbai zonal director Sameer Wankhede. The suit pertains to the Netflix series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, which Wankhede claims has tarnished his reputation.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued summons to the following parties:
- Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (owned by Gauri Khan)
- Netflix
- X Corp (formerly Twitter)
- Google LLC
- Meta Platforms
- RPG Lifestyle Media Pvt. Ltd.
- John Doe (unnamed parties)
The court directed all defendants to submit their replies within seven days. The next hearing is scheduled for October 30, 2025.
Key Allegations:
- Wankhede alleges that the series presents a misleading and negative portrayal of anti-drug enforcement agencies, undermining public trust in law enforcement.
- He claims the series was deliberately conceptualized and executed to malign his reputation, especially while the case involving Aryan Khan remains sub judice before the Bombay High Court and the NDPS Special Court.
- The series allegedly includes a character resembling Wankhede, shown making an obscene gesture after reciting “Satyamev Jayate,” which Wankhede argues violates the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Relief Sought:
- Wankhede has demanded ₹2 crore in damages, which he proposes to donate to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital.
- He has also requested the removal of defamatory content from various websites and platforms.
Court’s Position:
- The court did not grant an interim injunction at this stage.
- Justice Kaurav stated, “Let them take instructions and file a reply. I cannot pass an injunction in general.”
- The court acknowledged Wankhede’s right to approach but emphasized that due legal process must be followed.
Legal Representation:
- Wankhede was represented by Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi and lawyer T Singhdev.
- Netflix and Red Chillies Entertainment opposed the suit, represented by Senior Advocates Rajiv Nayyar and Shyel Trehan, respectively.
This case has reignited public interest in the 2021 Mumbai cruise drug bust involving Aryan Khan and highlights the ongoing tensions between Bollywood and law enforcement narratives.
