Shah Rukh Khan Summoned by Delhi HC in Defamation Case

The Delhi High Court has summoned actor Shah Rukh Khan and associates in response to a defamation lawsuit filed by Sameer Wankhede, a senior IRS officer. The court’s notice, issued on October 25, 2023, addresses allegations that the series “The Ba***ds of Bollywood,” produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and distributed by Netflix, has tarnished Wankhede’s reputation.

Wankhede’s lawsuit claims that the series presents a misleading depiction of anti-drug enforcement agencies, potentially undermining public trust in law enforcement. As part of the legal proceedings, the Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, has ordered the defendants to submit their replies within seven days. The court has scheduled a further hearing for October 30, 2023.

The defamation suit also includes a request for damages amounting to ₹2 crore (approximately USD 242,000), which Wankhede intends to donate to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for the benefit of cancer patients. The petition argues that the series was deliberately created to malign Wankhede’s reputation, particularly as a case involving him and Khan’s son, Aryan Khan, remains pending in the Bombay High Court.

Key to Wankhede’s complaint is a scene in the series where a character is shown making an obscene gesture towards a narcotics officer while he quotes the national slogan “Satyamev Jayate,” which is associated with India’s National Emblem. This portrayal, the petition asserts, distorts the image of law enforcement and reflects negatively on the institution.

Wankhede, who gained notoriety for arresting Aryan Khan in connection with a high-profile cruise drug case in 2021, received a clean chit after the investigation yielded no substantial evidence against him. The ongoing litigation highlights the tensions between the film industry and law enforcement, particularly regarding how such narratives are portrayed in popular media.

The court’s decision not to impose an interim injunction at this stage allows the series to continue streaming while the legal battle unfolds. The defendants, alongside Khan and his production company, Red Chillies Entertainment Private Limited, must prepare to defend their work against these serious allegations.

As the case progresses, the implications for both the entertainment industry and law enforcement remain significant, raising questions about the responsibilities of creators in representing real-life figures and events.