Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
OTT platform Netflix has strongly opposed a request made by IRS officer Sameer Wankhede in the Delhi High Court to stop the streaming of its new series, “The Ba*ds of Bollywood.”** Wankhede claims the show damages his reputation and has asked that it be removed from all platforms. Netflix, however, says the series is a form of satire and should not be treated as defamation.
The hearing took place on Thursday, November 27, 2025, where Netflix argued that the content includes humour, parody, and commentary on the functioning of Bollywood. According to the company, such creative expression is legally protected and cannot be blocked simply because someone feels offended. Netflix said Wankhede should not read too much into a short comedy scene of barely one and a half minutes, especially when he himself admits that it is satire.
Senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, appearing for Netflix, told the court that defamation claims in such cases require a very high level of proof. He said Wankhede cannot demand an immediate ban unless he proves malice, which can only be done during a full trial. He added that just linking the show to Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan is not enough to justify a ban.
Nayar explained that the theme of the series is to showcase “bad ways of Bollywood” and its harsh realities. He said the entire show uses satire, exaggeration, and lampooning to comment on the film industry, not to target one individual. When seen as a whole, each character is a symbolic representation rather than a real-life accusation.
The court has now scheduled the next hearing for December 2, when it will listen to Wankhede’s rejoinder. The judge also asked Wankhede to file written submissions before the next date.
Shah Rukh Khan’s production company, Red Chillies Entertainment, which created the series, has also opposed Wankhede’s plea. Red Chillies said the case should not have been filed in Delhi because neither the officer nor the company is based there. They argued that filing the case in Delhi amounts to “forum shopping,” meaning choosing a court just for convenience.
In its reply, Red Chillies said the series is designed as satire and belongs to the category of legitimate artistic expression. It includes references to common controversies in Bollywood, including nepotism, celebrity culture, paparazzi issues, relationship scandals, and the struggles that newcomers face. All these elements, the company said, are presented through humour and parody.
Wankhede, however, rejected these arguments in his rejoinder. He said the “defamatory content” was created to take revenge on him because he handled the 2021 drugs case involving Aryan Khan. He claimed that the show's writer and director, Aryan Khan, developed the series to attack and embarrass him personally. Wankhede has filed a defamation suit seeking ₹2 crore in damages, which he says should be donated to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital.
Earlier, on October 8, the court had issued notices to several parties, including Netflix, Red Chillies Entertainment, Google, Meta, X Corp, RPSG Lifestyle Media, and unnamed individuals (John Doe), asking them to respond to the defamation suit.
Wankhede’s plea also argues that the show creates a negative image of anti-drug agencies and weakens public trust in law enforcement. He pointed out that one scene shows a character making an obscene gesture immediately after saying “Satyamev Jayate,” a phrase from the National Emblem. He claims this violates the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, a law that forbids insulting national symbols.
The court will now review all submissions before deciding whether the series can continue streaming or if any restrictions are required. The case has attracted significant public interest due to its connection with Bollywood, freedom of expression, and the earlier high-profile drugs investigation.
English
