The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued summons to Shah Rukh Khan-owned Red Chillies Entertainment and streaming platform Netflix in a defamation suit filed by IRS officer Sameer Wankhede over the docu-series “The Ba**ds of Bollywood.”*
Wankhede, who has sought ₹2 crore in damages, alleged that the series maligns his reputation.
He has also requested that the compensation amount be donated to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for the treatment of cancer patients.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued notices to Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., Netflix, X Corp (formerly Twitter), Google LLC, Meta Platforms, RPSG Lifestyle Media Pvt. Ltd., and others, directing them to file their responses within seven days.
Why Sameer Wankhede filed the defamation case
Wankhede claims the series contains “false, malicious, and defamatory content” aimed at damaging his image.
He alleged that the show distorts the role of anti-drug enforcement agencies and unfairly targets him, particularly as legal proceedings involving him and Aryan Khan remain pending before the Bombay High Court and the NDPS Special Court in Mumbai.
According to Wankhede, the portrayal could influence ongoing cases and mislead the public about his professional conduct.
