Delhi HC summons Netflix and Red Chillies in Sameer Wankhede defamation case over ‘B***ds of Bollywood’

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued summons to Netflix and Shah Rukh Khan’s production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, in a defamation suit filed by former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede. The case pertains to his alleged portrayal in the upcoming Netflix series The B**ds of Bollywood*, directed by Aryan Khan.

Wankhede has claimed that the series defames him and his family, citing several online posts that surfaced after the trailer’s release. His counsel argued that such posts have led to trolling of his wife and sister, further damaging his reputation. The former NCB officer, known for arresting Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan in a 2021 drug case, has sought ₹2 crore in damages, which he said would be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital.

The court, while acknowledging Wankhede’s right to legal recourse, advised that due process must be followed. The matter will next be heard on October 30 when the interim injunction plea is scheduled. Earlier, on September 26, the High Court had directed Wankhede to amend his plea, stating that it was “not maintainable in Delhi.”

Wankhede’s petition also raises objection to a particular scene from the series, alleging it violates the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. He has argued that the portrayal amounts to an insult to national symbols and sentiments, and sought judicial intervention to restrain its release.