Sameer Wankhede, a senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and former Mumbai zonal director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), has filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court. The suit is against Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., owned by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan, Netflix, and others.
Wankhede is seeking ₹2 crore in damages, alleging that Aryan Khan’s directorial debut series, The Ba**ds of Bollywood, contains “false, malicious, and defamatory content” designed to tarnish his image.
Allegations of Defamation
According to Wankhede’s plea, the series projects anti-drug enforcement agencies in a misleading and negative light. He claims this portrayal has damaged his professional reputation and credibility.
The former NCB officer also alleged that the show was conceptualised and executed deliberately to malign his name. He pointed out that this is especially concerning since proceedings involving him and Aryan Khan are still pending before the Bombay High Court and the NDPS Special Court in Mumbai.
He contended that the portrayal unfairly targets him during a period of active judicial scrutiny.
The Controversial Scene
Wankhede’s petition refers to a specific sequence in The Ba**ds of Bollywood. The scene shows a character making an obscene gesture after reciting “Satyamev Jayate.”
The suit argues that this act constitutes a violation of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. According to Wankhede, it attracts penal consequences under the law as it insults national sentiment.
The petition further states that the series contains obscene and offensive material in violation of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Wankhede maintains that such content not only defames him but also undermines public faith in institutions tasked with enforcing drug laws.
Demand for Compensation
In his defamation suit, Wankhede has demanded damages worth ₹2 crore. He also requested that the money be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital to support cancer treatment for patients.
Additionally, he has asked the court to restrain further streaming and distribution of the series. He is also seeking a declaration from the court confirming the defamatory nature of the content.
Wankhede vs. Bollywood
This case is not the first time Sameer Wankhede has been in the spotlight involving Bollywood. He was the officer who led the high-profile investigation into the alleged drug case linked to Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan, in 2021. The case had sparked a nationwide debate and received wide media coverage.
While Aryan Khan was eventually cleared of all charges, the events left a lasting mark on the public image of both Aryan and Wankhede. The new series has reopened old wounds, according to the former NCB officer.
Court Hearing Soon
The Delhi High Court is expected to hear the matter soon. The outcome could set a precedent for how fictional portrayals of real-life figures are treated in India, especially when ongoing legal matters are involved.
For now, Wankhede has made it clear that his fight is not just about personal reputation but also about protecting the image of law enforcement agencies.
