Delhi High Court Questions Maintainability of Sameer Wankhede’s Defamation Suit

The Delhi High Court has raised concerns over the maintainability of a defamation suit filed by former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede against the creators of the Netflix series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. Wankhede alleges that the series, directed by Aryan Khan and produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment, portrays him in a defamatory light, drawing from real-life events involving the 2021 Mumbai cruise drug case.

Court’s Observations

During proceedings, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav questioned the jurisdiction of the Delhi High Court in this matter. He noted that the series is available across various platforms and that the alleged defamatory content might not have originated in Delhi. Wankhede’s legal team argued that the series had been viewed in Delhi and that online posts targeting him had emanated from the city, thereby justifying the court’s jurisdiction.

Legal Implications

The court’s scrutiny underscores the complexities of filing defamation suits in the digital age, where content is accessible across jurisdictions. Legal experts suggest that plaintiffs must establish a clear connection between the alleged defamation and the jurisdiction in which they file their case.

Broader Context

This development adds to the ongoing discourse surrounding the portrayal of real-life events and individuals in fictional media. While creative liberties are a hallmark of the entertainment industry, the line between fiction and defamation remains a contentious issue, especially when real individuals believe their reputations are at stake.

Conclusion

As the legal proceedings continue, the case highlights the challenges courts face in balancing freedom of expression with protection against defamation. For audiences, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, this case serves as a reminder of the power of media portrayals and the importance of legal frameworks in addressing grievances.