Is SRK and Aryan's Online Response Targeting My Family?: Sameer Wankhede Takes Legal Action
The Delhi High Court has recently addressed a request for provisional relief concerning a defamation case launched by Sameer Wankhede, an IRS officer and former NCB official. His lawsuit is directed against Red Chillies Entertainment, Netflix, and Aryan Khan, relating to their web series, The Ba*ds of Bollywood. The next court hearing is set for October 30.
Claims of Family Trolling: Insights from Sameer Wankhede
During the court session, Sameer Wankhede's legal representative, Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, revealed to the judges that the web series had sparked substantial online harassment aimed at Wankhede along with his wife and sister. He characterized this material as "obviously defamatory" and "deeply disturbing." Sethi emphasized that the accused parties—Shah Rukh Khan, Aryan Khan, and Red Chillies Entertainment—had failed to address or mitigate the harmful posts that Wankhede believes are damaging to his reputation.
The court remarked, "We recognize that there is a valid reason for you to bring your concerns to this court; however, it is crucial to follow the appropriate legal procedures." This underlined the necessity for due process in such serious matters.
Upcoming Hearing Date: Mark Your Calendars for October 30
Wankhede's attorney also mentioned that they had submitted an application requesting modifications to the complaint, arguing that their case is rightly placed within the jurisdiction of the Delhi High Court.
The lawsuit demands both a permanent injunction and a mandatory prohibition against Red Chillies and the other involved parties. Additionally, Wankhede is seeking compensation of ₹2 crore, which he has pledged to donate to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for cancer patient support. The next stage of this legal saga is slated for October 30.
The Defamation Lawsuit Breakdown
On September 25, Sameer Wankhede filed his defamation suit, seeking ₹2 crore in damages from Shah Rukh Khan, the head of Red Chillies Entertainment, which produced The Ba*ds of Bollywood. Wankhede has stated that this monetary award will be given to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital to aid in the care of cancer patients.
Wankhede claims that The Ba*ds of Bollywood was "intentionally conceived and developed to harm his reputation in a misleading and prejudicial fashion."
Moreover, Wankhede noted that the show is particularly problematic given that the legal proceedings involving him and Aryan Khan are currently ongoing in both the Bombay High Court and the NDPS Special Court in Mumbai.
"The series also features a character who makes an obscene gesture by showing a middle finger, while uttering the phrase 'Satyamev Jayate,' which is part of our National Emblem. This behavior not only qualifies as a serious violation of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 but also could invite legal repercussions," his statement pointed out.
Additionally, Wankhede argued that the series breaches several provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) by provoking national sentiment through inappropriate and offensive representations.
What Viewers Saw in The Bads of Bollywood*
Wankhede's lawsuit specifically targets the premiere episode of The Ba*ds of Bollywood, in which a character—clearly modeled after him—appears at a film industry party, looking for individuals from "Bollywood" who are purportedly consuming narcotics.
"Is it not apparent that Aryan Khan is casting someone who looks remarkably like Sameer Wankhede in *The Ba*ds of Bollywood?"* This comment accompanied the viral hashtags circulating on social media since the series began streaming on September 18, drawing numerous comparisons between Wankhede and the portrayal in Episode 1.
Why the Criticism Against Sameer Wankhede?
The backdrop of this situation includes the October 3, 2021 arrests of Aryan Khan, Ayaaz Merchant, and Munmun Dhamecha, who were taken into custody by the Narcotics Control Bureau under allegations of possessing, using, and distributing illegal drugs. The investigation was led by former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede.
This incident gained considerable media attention when Wankhede arrested Aryan Khan, who ultimately spent 25 days in jail before being released on bail.
But here's where it gets controversial—how does the portrayal of real-life figures in dramas intersect with the court of public opinion? Should creative freedom allow for such representations, or do they cross an ethical line? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
