In a significant legal development tied to one of Netflix India’s most talked-about upcoming shows, the Delhi High Court has dismissed former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede’s defamation suit against the Netflix series The Ba***ds of Bollywood. The court ruled that it does not have territorial jurisdiction to hear the matter, clearing the way for the show to continue streaming without interruption — at least for now.
The ruling comes as a major relief for the series’ director Aryan Khan and the makers, who had been facing legal uncertainty following Wankhede’s allegations.
What the Delhi High Court decided
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav ruled that the case could not be entertained in Delhi due to lack of jurisdiction. The plaint was returned, while granting Wankhede the liberty to approach a court of competent jurisdiction elsewhere.
Importantly, the High Court chose not to examine the content of the show or rule on whether it was defamatory. The case was decided purely on jurisdictional grounds, leaving the merits of Wankhede’s allegations untouched.
Why Sameer Wankhede moved court
Wankhede had filed the defamation suit claiming that The Ba**ds of Bollywood* carried a character and scenes inspired by him, allegedly portraying him in a defamatory manner. He argued that the depiction harmed his reputation and sought removal of certain scenes, along with ₹2 crore in damages, which he stated would be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital.
One of the scenes objected to reportedly involved an obscene gesture paired with the slogan Satyamev Jayate, which Wankhede claimed was a direct and malicious reference.
Arguments from both sides
Senior advocate J Sai Deepak, appearing for Wankhede, argued that Delhi was the appropriate forum since departmental proceedings against his client were pending in the capital and several media houses that published reports about him operate from Delhi. He maintained that the continued availability of the show online was causing ongoing reputational harm.
However, Red Chillies Entertainment, represented by senior advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul, countered that both parties were based in Mumbai, making Bombay the correct jurisdiction. The defence stressed that mere online availability of content does not automatically grant jurisdiction everywhere.
Netflix’s counsel Rajiv Nayyar echoed this view and added that the threshold for defamation — especially at an interim stage — is extremely high. He also argued that the series relies on satire and dark humour, a form of artistic expression protected by law. According to Netflix, public discourse around Wankhede has existed since 2022, with no prior legal action taken.
What this means for Aryan Khan and the show
With the Delhi High Court refusing to hear the case, Aryan Khan and the makers of The Ba**ds of Bollywood* have effectively crossed a major legal hurdle. The series can now continue streaming uninterrupted unless fresh legal action is initiated in another court.
Whether Wankhede chooses to pursue the case elsewhere remains to be seen.
About The Ba**ds of Bollywood*
The Netflix series follows the journey of Aasmaan Singh, an outsider navigating the chaotic, ruthless, and often absurd world of the Hindi film industry. Told through satire and drama, the show features an ensemble cast including Bobby Deol, Lakshya, Mona Singh, and Raghav Juyal, with special appearances by Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Aamir Khan, and Ranveer Singh.
Final words
The Delhi High Court’s ruling may not be the final chapter in this legal tussle, but it has undeniably tilted the scales — at least for now — in favour of The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. For Aryan Khan, it’s a clear legal breather. For the industry, it’s another reminder of how satire, celebrity, and law continue to collide in the streaming era.
