New Delhi: IRS officer and former NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede has filed a defamation lawsuit against Red Chillies Entertainment, Netflix, and others over the series Ba**ds of Bollywood*, alleging that it damages his reputation and maligns anti-drug enforcement agencies. The case, filed on Thursday, seeks ₹2 crore in damages and a halt to the streaming and distribution of the show.
Defamation and damages
Wankhede, who came into the spotlight during the 2021 drugs-on-cruise case involving Aryan Khan, has argued that the series projects a false and malicious narrative. His plea claims the content spreads defamatory material about him and presents anti-drug agencies in a poor light, eroding public trust in their credibility.
The lawsuit demands ₹2 crore in damages, with Wankhede stating he would donate the sum to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for cancer patients if awarded.
Obscene gesture controversy
The petition also cites a controversial scene in which a character allegedly makes an obscene gesture while reciting “Satyamev Jayate”, a motto from the National Emblem of India. According to Wankhede’s legal team, this violates the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and amounts to outraging national sentiment.
Other legal provisions cited
Wankhede’s lawyers further argued that the show violates provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) by disseminating obscene and offensive content. They maintain that such depictions harm not just individual reputations but also undermine the integrity of enforcement bodies.
Halt on streaming sought
Apart from damages, the plea also requests the Delhi court to halt further distribution of the series and declare its content defamatory. Wankhede’s counsel stated, “This series disseminates a misleading and negative portrayal of anti-drug enforcement agencies, thereby eroding public confidence in law enforcement institutions.”
Conclusion
The case now adds another layer of controversy to the debate on how streaming platforms portray real-life figures and institutions. The court is expected to hear Wankhede’s petition in the coming weeks, and its decision could set a precedent on balancing creative freedom with individual and institutional reputation in India.