Post by : Maya Rahman

In a vigorous defense, Netflix has opposed IRS officer Sameer Wankhede's plea in the Delhi High Court to ban streaming of its series, “The Ba*ds of Bollywood.”** Wankhede contends that the show tarnishes his reputation and has requested its removal across platforms. Netflix counters that the series is satire and not defamatory.

During the hearing on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Netflix argued the content includes humor, parody, and a critical take on Bollywood practices. The company maintains that creative expression is protected by law and should not be prohibited merely because someone finds it offensive. Netflix emphasized that Wankhede shouldn't overinterpret a brief comedic segment, which he himself acknowledges as satire.

Senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, representing Netflix, informed the court that in cases of defamation, a high burden of proof is necessary. He argued that Wankhede cannot demand an immediate ban without substantiating malice, which requires comprehensive trial proceedings. Simply linking the show to Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan, is insufficient to warrant a prohibition.

Nayar elaborated that the series aims to highlight the “dark side of Bollywood” and its challenging realities. He stressed that the series employs satire, exaggeration, and humor to critique the film industry, not to launch personal attacks. Viewed collectively, all characters symbolize broader themes instead of individual accusations.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 2, where it will consider Wankhede's response. The judge has requested Wankhede to submit written arguments prior to this date.

Additionally, Shah Rukh Khan’s production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, which produced the series, has voiced its opposition to Wankhede’s request. Red Chillies contended that the case should not be heard in Delhi, given that neither the officer nor the production company is based there. They argued this filing represents “forum shopping,” or the practice of selecting a court for strategic advantage.

In its defense, Red Chillies stated that the series qualifies as satire and is a form of legitimate artistic expression. It refers to prevalent controversies in Bollywood, such as nepotism, celebrity culture, and the challenges faced by newcomers, all conveyed through humor and parody.

Wankhede, however, refuted these assertions in his response, claiming the “defamatory content” was intended as payback for managing the 2021 drug case involving Aryan Khan. He alleged that the series' writer and director crafted the show to personally target and embarrass him. Wankhede's defamation suit demands ₹2 crore in damages, which he wishes to allocate to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital.

Earlier on October 8, the court issued notices to multiple parties, including Netflix, Red Chillies Entertainment, Google, Meta, X Corp, RPSG Lifestyle Media, and unnamed individuals (John Doe), requesting their responses regarding the defamation case.

Wankhede's plea also posits that the series undermines the public image of anti-drug organizations and erodes trust in law enforcement. He highlighted a scene where a character makes an obscene gesture following the phrase “Satyamev Jayate,” drawn from the National Emblem, claiming this contravenes the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.

The court will examine all submissions before making a determination on whether the series can continue streaming or whether any restrictions will be imposed. This case has garnered significant public attention, intertwining issues of Bollywood, freedom of expression, and the earlier high-profile drug investigation.

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