Delhi High Court Issues Summons in Sameer Wankhede’s Defamation Suit Against Netflix

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued summons in the defamation suit filed by former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede against streaming platform Netflix and actor Shah Rukh Khan's production house Red Chillies Entertainment. The case concerns Wankhede's portrayal in Aryan Khan's series The B**ds of Bollywood*.

Wankhede's lawyer stated that an application to amend the suit has been filed, arguing that the Delhi court holds territorial jurisdiction.

Referring to the amended plea, Wankhede's lawyer said: "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 responded, "We appreciate that there is cause in your favour to approach this court, but there is a process to be followed."

The interim injunction application in the case is scheduled for hearing on 30 October.

During a hearing on 26 September, the High Court directed Wankhede to amend his defamation plea, noting that it was "not maintainable in Delhi." Justice Kaurav added: "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 suit, Wankhede alleged that the Netflix series has maligned his reputation. He is seeking Rs 2 crore in damages, which he intends to donate to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for cancer patients.

Wankhede also objected to a scene in which a character raises the middle finger immediately after saying the national slogan "Satyamev Jayate". He contends that this act violates the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which is punishable under Indian law.

The case continues to highlight ongoing tensions between public figures and media portrayals, as well as legal recourse available to individuals who believe they have been defamed.