Defamation lawsuit filed against Aryan Khan’s series

IRS officer and former NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede has filed a lawsuit against Red Chillies Entertainment, Netflix, and others over the controversial docu-series Ba**ds of Bollywood*, featuring Aryan Khan. The plea, filed on Thursday, seeks Rs 2 crore in damages and calls for a halt on the streaming and distribution of the series.

Wankhede contends that the show not only damaged his personal reputation but also eroded public trust in anti-drug enforcement institutions. He argues that the portrayal of agencies tasked with upholding India’s drug laws is “false, malicious and defamatory.”

Parties involved and allegations

The lawsuit names Red Chillies Entertainment, Netflix, and other associated entities. According to Wankhede’s counsel, the content disseminates a misleading and negative depiction of both him personally and the wider enforcement framework.

“This series disseminates a misleading and negative portrayal of anti-drug enforcement agencies, thereby eroding public confidence in law enforcement institutions,” his lawyer stated.

Obscene gesture controversy

A major flashpoint in the case concerns a scene where a character allegedly makes a middle-finger gesture while reciting “Satyamev Jayate,” the phrase inscribed on India’s National Emblem.

The petition argues that this act violates the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. By linking the national motto to an obscene gesture, Wankhede claims the series has outraged national sentiment.

Broader legal breaches cited

The plea also highlights violations of other laws, including:

  • Information Technology Act: for circulation of allegedly obscene and offensive content online.
  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): for content that outrages public morality and national dignity.

These provisions, the petition argues, strengthen the case for halting the series and compensating damages.

Damages sought and intended donation

Wankhede is seeking Rs 2 crore in damages, which he has pledged to donate to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital to aid cancer patients. The suit emphasises that his intention is not only to protect his personal reputation but also to uphold public trust in law enforcement institutions.

Conclusion

The case adds a new chapter to the long-standing controversy surrounding Aryan Khan’s drug-related case, in which Wankhede played a key role as NCB zonal director. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how OTT platforms portray real-life figures and sensitive national symbols in their content