Has the Delhi High Court Summoned Netflix and SRK’s Company Over Sameer Wankhede's Defamation Case?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal move, the Delhi High Court has summoned Netflix and Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment over allegations of defamation made by IRS officer Sameer Wankhede. This case revolves around the controversial web series 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood' and raises questions about freedom of expression and respect for national symbols.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi High Court summons Netflix and Red Chillies Entertainment.
- Sameer Wankhede claims defamation from the web series.
- He seeks Rs. 2 crores in damages for cancer treatment.
- The lawsuit raises questions about national symbols.
- Legal proceedings will continue in a structured manner.
Mumbai, Oct 8 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court has issued summons to Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and Netflix, the streaming giant owned by Shah Rukh Khan, in connection with a civil defamation lawsuit brought forth by IRS officer Sameer Wankhede. This legal action was initiated on October 8, 2025.
Wankhede has claimed that the web series ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, contains malicious content that has severely damaged his reputation and that of his family.
The issuance of summons indicates that the Court is, at first glance, satisfied that the allegations merit judicial scrutiny. A date for the next hearing has been scheduled, and the legal proceedings will adhere to established law. During a prior hearing, the Court had questioned Wankhede about the suit's viability in Delhi and instructed him to amend his plaint to provide proper justification.
The defendants in this lawsuit include Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., Netflix, X Corp (previously known as Twitter), Google LLC, Meta Platforms, RPG Lifestyle Media Pvt. Ltd., and a John Doe.
Sameer Wankhede asserts that the web series features intentionally biased and defamatory content directed at him. He further noted that the case involving Sameer Wankhede and Aryan Khan is currently pending in the Bombay High Court and a special NDPS court in Mumbai.
Wankhede has pointed out a specific scene in the series where a character states, "Satyamev Jayate" followed by an obscene gesture, which he contends is an affront to a slogan integral to the national emblem, and constitutes an offense under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
He is seeking Rs. 2 crores in damages, which he plans to donate to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for cancer patients' treatment. The suit aims for a permanent and mandatory injunction against the production house and others regarding the allegedly "false, malicious, and defamatory video" aired in the series.
Additionally, it has been claimed that the series violates several provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Indian Penal Code, as it seeks to undermine national sentiments through the use of obscene and objectionable material.
Point of View
We approach this story with a commitment to unbiased reporting. The legal actions taken by Sameer Wankhede raise essential discussions surrounding defamation, artistic expression, and the responsibilities of content creators in India. Our duty is to provide clarity on these matters while upholding journalistic integrity.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis of Sameer Wankhede's defamation suit?
Sameer Wankhede's defamation suit is based on allegations that the web series 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood' contains malicious content that has harmed his reputation and that of his family.
What damages is Wankhede seeking?
He is seeking Rs. 2 crores in damages, which he intends to donate to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for the treatment of cancer patients.
What is the current status of the legal proceedings?
The Delhi High Court has issued summons and scheduled a date for the next hearing, indicating that the case will proceed in accordance with legal protocols.
Who are the defendants in this case?
The defendants include Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., Netflix, X Corp, Google LLC, Meta Platforms, RPG Lifestyle Media Pvt. Ltd., and John Doe.
What legal provisions does the lawsuit cite?
The lawsuit claims violations of the Information Technology Act and the Indian Penal Code, particularly regarding content that may hurt national sentiments.
