The legal battle surrounding the controversial web series 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood' reached the Delhi High Court on Wednesday, with heated arguments over jurisdiction and allegations of defamation.
Jurisdiction Challenge in Defamation Case
Opposing counsels strongly contested the validity of the defamation suit being filed in Delhi, arguing that the case should have been instituted in Mumbai instead. Lawyers representing the creators contended that Sameer Wankhede resides in Mumbai and all companies involved in the production are registered there, making Delhi an inappropriate venue for the lawsuit.
The defense team questioned the logic of invoking Delhi's jurisdiction merely because some viewers in the capital streamed the series or local newspapers covered the controversy. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, heading the bench, has scheduled the matter for continued arguments on Thursday.
Satire or Defamation? The Core Debate
The opposition presented a compelling case that the web series constitutes protected artistic expression rather than defamation. They described the production as a satirical take on Bollywood that uses parody as its primary narrative format, which enjoys legal protection as legitimate artistic commentary.
According to court submissions, the series explores various themes relevant to the entertainment industry, including nepotism, paparazzi culture, marital infidelity, and the struggles faced by newcomers trying to establish themselves in Bollywood.
Legal representatives argued that Wankhede cannot reasonably isolate a brief one-minute clip from a comprehensive seven-episode production and label the entire project as defamatory. The court was also informed that Wankhede has been actively engaging with media outlets since the series' release, giving detailed interviews and public commentary - behavior that contradicts his claims of suffering reputational damage in silence.
Wankhede's Allegations of Personal Vendetta
Sameer Wankhede maintained his position that the series was deliberately conceived with the intention of tarnishing his personal reputation, linking it directly to the 2021 arrest of Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, in a high-profile drug case.
Wankhede characterized the content as a "vindictive hit job" cleverly disguised as satire to settle both institutional and personal scores. The former narcotics officer has demanded Rs 2 crore in compensation, proposing that the amount be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital if awarded.
The plea also highlights a particular sequence showing a character flashing a middle finger after reciting "Satyamev Jayate," calling it an insult to the National Emblem and a violation of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.
The court expects responses from all concerned digital platforms as the hearing progresses. Meanwhile, in an interesting parallel development, Aryan Khan's debut directorial project has been receiving magnificent reviews from critics and audiences alike.
