Defence of satire not absolute; public servant targeted: Sameer Wankhede to Delhi HC on ‘Ba***ds of Bollywood’
IRS officer Sameer Wankhede alleges Netflix series ridicules him, seeks injunction and ₹2 crore damages
IRS officer Sameer Wankhede argued before the Delhi High Court that the defence of satire does not provide absolute protection when a public servant is targeted, in connection with scenes in the Netflix show ‘Ba***ds of Bollywood’ allegedly ridiculing him. The suit, heard by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, seeks to restrain the dissemination of defamatory content and removal of the offending scenes.
Wankhede, the Narcotics Control Bureau Zonal Director who arrested Aryan Khan in a 2021 drug raid (charges later cleared), contends that the series portrays a character resembling him in a malicious and vengeful light. He claimed the showmaker, Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment, with Netflix, have targeted his reputation. Wankhede demands damages of ₹2 crore and a takedown of defamatory content.
Red Chillies defended the series as protected satire and cited ongoing CBI proceedings against Wankhede related to charges of criminal conspiracy and extortion. Senior Advocate J Sai Deepak, appearing for Wankhede, countered the defence’s validity and highlighted the element of vindictiveness, submitting that disclaimers in the show do not absolve the defamation.
The Court observed the clips and questioned the production house about the extent of artistic freedom when depicting real persons. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on November 17.