The Delhi High Court has made a significant ruling by refusing to entertain a defamation suit filed by IRS officer Sameer Wankhede. The suit targeted the Netflix series 'B***ds of Bollywood' and its associated entities, including production house Red Chillies Entertainment. The court declared that it lacks jurisdiction over the matter, leading to the complaint being returned for placement before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Court's Jurisdiction Decision
Justice Purushaindra Kaurav pronounced the verdict in open court, emphasizing the jurisdictional issue. A detailed order is awaited to be made public, which will provide further insights into the legal reasoning behind this decision. This move highlights the procedural complexities in defamation cases involving digital content and multiple parties.
Background of the Case
Sameer Wankhede, who served as the Mumbai zonal director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), filed the defamation suit following the release of the Netflix series. The series, which premiered on September 18 last year, marks the directorial debut of Aryan Khan, son of actor Shah Rukh Khan, and is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment. Wankhede had arrested Aryan Khan in 2021 in a drug-related case, and his suit accuses Aryan of orchestrating a "calculated and vindictive hit job" to malign him.
Allegations and Claims
In his legal complaint, Wankhede alleged that the series disseminates a misleading and negative portrayal of anti-drug enforcement agencies, thereby eroding public confidence in law-enforcement institutions. He specifically objected to a scene where a character makes an obscene gesture—showing a middle finger—after reciting the slogan 'Satyamev Jayate', which is part of the National Emblem. Wankhede contends that this constitutes a "grave and sensitive violation" of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Parties Involved and Damages Sought
The defamation suit was filed against multiple entities, including the production company Red Chillies Entertainment, Netflix, X Corp, Google LLC, Meta Platforms Inc, and RPG Lifestyle Media Pvt Ltd. Wankhede sought damages of Rs 2 crore, proposing that the amount be donated to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for the treatment of cancer patients, underscoring the personal and public stakes involved in the case.
Implications and Next Steps
This ruling underscores the challenges in navigating defamation laws in the context of global streaming platforms and creative content. With the complaint now redirected to a competent court, the legal battle is set to continue, potentially setting precedents for similar cases in India. The outcome could influence how defamation and national honor issues are addressed in digital media, impacting both legal frameworks and content creation practices.
