Sameer Wankhede VS Ba***ds Of Bollywood: Delhi HC Permits Former IRS Officer To Pursue Defamation Case Against Aryan Khan’s Webseries In Mumbai Court

Following his rejection of the defamation plea by Sameer Wankhede against the Netflix series The Ba***ds of Bollywood referencing Aryan Khan, the Delhi High Court has now permitted him to pursue the case in Mumbai. Previously, the court had stated it lacked territorial jurisdiction over the matter.

Sameer Wankhede Moves To Mumbai Court Against Aryan Khan After Delhi HC Rejects Defamation Plea

The court’s latest order allows Wankhede, a former Narcotics Control Bureau officer, to file his defamation suit in a Mumbai court. Justice Vikas Mahajan granted Wankhede’s application to present his complaint before a competent Mumbai court and scheduled a hearing for February 12, when Wankhede plans to formally initiate the suit.

During the hearing, Wankhede’s lawyer referenced Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav’s earlier order on January 29, which dismissed the case in Delhi and permitted him to approach the appropriate forum. Acting on this, Wankhede filed an application under Order VII Rule 10A CPC for the transfer of the case to Mumbai. The court accepted that procedural requirements were satisfied, clearing the way for the case to proceed in Mumbai’s City Civil Court.

Background Of The Lawsuit

In 2021, Wankhede, then Zonal Director of the NCB, arrested Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, under the NDPS Act during a drug raid in Mumbai. Aryan was later acquitted of all charges. Recently, Wankhede approached the Delhi High Court, claiming that a character in Episode 1 of The Ba*ds of Bollywood, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Aryan Khan, was a defamatory and disguised portrayal of him.

He argued that this depiction harmed his reputation and dignity, asserting the character’s appearance, behaviour, and mannerisms closely resembled his and had been widely recognised as such in media reports. The defendants challenged the jurisdiction, arguing that Wankhede resides in Mumbai and Red Chillies’ registered office is there, making Mumbai the proper forum. They also contended that the series is a fictional satire that does not accurately depict the Cordelia cruise raid.

Earlier, Justice Kaurav had agreed, ruling that the Delhi High Court lacked jurisdiction and returning the plaint. However, with Monday’s order, Wankhede has now been permitted to pursue his case in Mumbai, enabling him to continue his legal challenge there.

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Also Read: Sameer Wankhede VS Ba***ds Of Bollywood: IRS Officer’s Defamation Plea Against Aryan Khan’s Series DISMISSED By Delhi HC

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.